The payments ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the need for secure, faster, and more interoperable transactions. One of the most critical components in this ecosystem is EMV software, which powers the EMV kernel, the heart of all chip-based payment processing in Point-of-Sale (POS) systems. Keeping up with the EMV certification requirements is vital for manufacturers, developers, payment facilitators, and terminal vendors.
As of mid-2025, the EMV ecosystem has seen significant upgrades that redefine how contact and contactless payments are processed globally. This comprehensive blog delves into the latest developments in EMV kernel standards, updates to EMV software tools, and the evolving EMV certification landscape, focusing on practical impacts, industry implications, and actionable insights.
The Role of EMV Software and EMV Kernel in Modern Payments
EMV software enables secure and standards-compliant card-based transactions on payment devices. The EMV kernel embedded within this software executes the cryptographic and transaction logic required for EMV-compliant communication between cards and terminals.
There are two main types of EMV kernels:
- EMV Contact Kernel (Level 2): Manages chip card transactions via physical contact.
- EMV Contactless Kernel (Level 2): Powers NFC-based (Tap-to-Pay) interactions.
Each kernel type must undergo rigorous EMV certification to ensure compliance with EMVCo specifications.
Major Milestone: EMV Contactless Kernel C-8 Now Live
One of the most groundbreaking updates in the EMV landscape is the global rollout of EMV Contactless Kernel – Book C‑8 (Kernel 8). Published by EMVCo in October 2022 and officially opened for certification in October 2024, this new kernel introduces a royalty-free, interoperable, and forward-looking solution.
Key Features of EMV C-8 Kernel
- Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC): Provides higher security and faster processing.
- Relay Resistance Protocol: Protects against relay attacks in contactless scenarios.
- Encrypted Communication Support: Enhances transaction security.
- Vendor-agnostic: Enables independence from proprietary schemes like Visa or Mastercard.
By adopting EMV C-8, OEMs and terminal manufacturers can significantly reduce integration time and complexity while adhering to the latest security and interoperability benchmarks.
EMV Certification for EMV C-8 Kernel
Certification Timeline and Availability
- October 2024: EMVCo initiated the official certification program for EMV C-8.
- March 2025: Certification labs such as CETECOM Japan became accredited to test C-8 compliance.
First Devices Certified
- Ingenico’s AXIUM DX8000: Became the first terminal to pass EMV C-8 certification.
- PAX Technology’s A920Pro: Secured approval in early 2025 with full C-8 kernel integration.
These developments confirm that the ecosystem is now ready to adopt EMV C-8 kernels across global deployments.
For terminal vendors and software developers, aligning EMV software with the C-8 specification is now a competitive necessity. Updating the EMV kernel stack to include C-8 compliance not only ensures future-proofing but also significantly enhances cross-scheme acceptance.
EMV Contact Kernel: Renewal Rules and Bulletin Updates
While the spotlight remains on EMV C-8, contact-based EMV kernels have also received crucial updates.
EMVCo Bulletin TTA 199
Released in late 2024, this bulletin introduces specific approval rules for renewing EMV Contact Level 2 kernels. It allows developers and vendors to streamline renewal submissions without undergoing complete retesting if their kernel already complies with certain specification bulletins.
Key Specification Bulletins Incorporated
- BU 228: Clarifies APDU responses.
- BU 220: Updates key date management components.
- BU 272: Addresses the Year 2038 timestamp overflow problem, ensuring long-term compliance.
This update is critical for vendors with existing EMV kernel certifications expiring or needing configuration updates. It provides a defined pathway to maintain EMV certification status with reduced overhead and faster go-to-market.
Visa, JCB, and Level 1 Test Suite Updates
Visa & JCB Kernel Requirements
Visa and JCB have released updated documents aligning with EMVCo specifications for EMV kernel certification.
- Visa’s Kernel Management Guidelines (2025): Streamlines the integration and update of approved kernels.
- JCB’s EMV Terminal Requirements (2025): Introduces support for C-8 and revised testing coverage.
EMV Level 1 Testing Enhancements
- New Test Suite Version 3.2a for EMV Contact Level 1 was rolled out in February 2025.
- PICCs (cards) and PCDs (readers) now require updated analog and digital signal conformance using EMVCo version 3.2b test tools.
Vendors must upgrade their EMV software stacks and validation tools to ensure full coverage under the new test suites. Leveraging certified tools such as those from Comprion and FIME can expedite compliance.
Benefits of Upgrading to the Latest EMV Software and Kernel Standards
Security and Compliance
- Adopting EMV C-8 provides stronger cryptography and data encryption.
- Meeting updated certification bulletins ensures long-term regulatory readiness.
Interoperability
- The C-8 kernel supports multiple card schemes with a single software stack.
- Eliminates vendor lock-in and simplifies terminal support for global card acceptance.
Future-Proofing
- Kernel specifications already accommodate Year 2038 issues.
- Open kernel architecture supports easier updates and faster rollouts.
EMV Certification: Best Practices for 2025 and Beyond
With the rapid evolution of EMV kernel specifications, having a proactive EMV certification strategy is essential. Here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Engage Accredited Labs Early
Certification timelines can be optimized by working with labs like CETECOM, FIME, and UL early in the development cycle. Their familiarity with TTA 199 and EMV C-8 streamlines submission.
2. Modular Kernel Development
Design your EMV kernel as a modular component. This enables quicker adoption of bulletin updates without a complete code overhaul.
3. Comprehensive EMV Software Stack Testing
Ensure you validate both Level 1 and Level 2 compliance using the latest test tools and EMVCo bulletins.
4. Maintain Documentation for Renewal
Maintain a change log and compliance matrix that links kernel features to corresponding bulletins. This speeds up the EMV certification renewal process under the new rules.
5. Stay Updated on Scheme Requirements
Each payment scheme (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, RuPay, Discover) may introduce unique kernel behavior expectations. Monitoring these updates ensures interoperability across all acceptance networks.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect in the EMV Ecosystem
1. Wider Adoption of EMV C-8
Expect a global rollout of C-8 compliant terminals and acceptance devices by late 2025 to 2026. Emerging markets are prioritizing C-8 deployment due to its lower cost and better security.
2. Evolution of SoftPOS and Tap-to-Phone
The rise of Tap-on-Phone and SoftPOS means kernel developers must design EMV software that’s mobile-compatible. EMV C-8 is well-positioned to support this trend.
3. Integration with PCI MPoC
As PCI standards evolve, EMV software must also comply with Mobile Payment on COTS (MPoC) standards, which emphasize the secure integration of EMV kernel with mobile hardware.
EMV kernel development and EMV certification have entered a new era with the rollout of EMV C-8, updated test suites, and evolving scheme requirements. For OEMs, terminal manufacturers, and payment solution providers, the stakes are higher—and so are the opportunities.
Upgrading your EMV software stack to support the latest EMV kernel versions, particularly C-8, will ensure your terminals are globally interoperable, secure, and future-ready. Staying on top of EMV certification updates—such as the new approval rules, bulletin requirements, and test suites—can give your solution a faster path to market while minimizing the risk of non-compliance.
Whether you’re building new terminals, updating legacy systems, or integrating EMV into SoftPOS environments, now is the time to realign your EMV roadmap. The future of contact and contactless payments is here—and it’s built on a new generation of EMV software, powered by robust, secure, and certified EMV kernels.
For any support in EMV kernel development, certification consulting, or EMV software integration, our team at EazyPay Tech is ready to guide you through the journey. Let’s build the next generation of payment devices together.
