In
October 2005, Sweden started to deploy ICAO-compliant national eID cards.The Swedish authorities selected Gemalto's comprehensive
Coesys Issuance solution for the personalization of biometric eID
cards by laser engraving technique. Expertise in managing the total value chain
was a key factor in choosing Gemalto’s solution.
Gemalto is also supplying Sweden with Sealys eID Cards,
biometric national eID cards, which contain two microchips; one for traveling
within Schengen countries similar to the biometric passport, and the other for
identification, for example, when logging onto networks to access electronic
services. The new eID cards store the personal data of each holder alongside
their digitally formatted facial image in the microchips.
The security level of eIDs is maximized by the combination of polycarbonate
and laser engraving which enables several visual security elements.
The same infrastructure and procedures were maintained for the National ID card as for the ePassport. This has lead to significant savings in terms of equipment, processes, systems and even staff training.