The NFC Forum has announced that two of its key specifications have been formally adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as global standards. The move marks a significant milestone for NFC technology and its growing role in wireless charging and data exchange.
The two newly adopted standards are the NFC Wireless Charging (NFC WLC) Specification, now designated IEC 63652-1:2026, and the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) Technical Specification, now designated IEC 63652-2:2026.
The NFC WLC specification standardizes wireless charging for small, battery-powered devices using existing NFC communication interfaces. It targets low-power devices operating below 3W and is already in use across more than 100 million devices worldwide. These include wireless earbuds, smart glasses, digital stylus pens, headsets, and fitness trackers. Notably, it is the only IEC-recognized standard that specifically addresses the charging needs of low-power devices.
The NDEF Technical Specification defines a common data format used by NFC Forum-compliant devices and tags. It standardizes how data records are structured, exchanged, and interpreted. Working alongside the WLC specification, NDEF allows devices to safely exchange the setup information needed during wireless charging sessions.
Mike McCamon, Executive Director of the NFC Forum, said the formal adoption by the IEC brings added confidence to businesses looking to integrate NFC technology into their products and services.
The IEC endorsement also carries regulatory significance. It enables alignment with key European directives, including the EU Common Charging Directive and the EU Digital Product Passport initiatives. Both directives are expected to shape the future of consumer electronics and product traceability across the region.
For manufacturers and developers working with NFC-enabled devices, having globally recognized IEC standards simplifies compliance and reduces fragmentation. It also signals to the broader market that NFC wireless charging and data exchange protocols have reached a level of maturity and reliability suitable for widespread deployment.
With NFC technology already embedded in billions of smartphones and an expanding range of wearables and IoT devices, the formal standardization of these two specifications is likely to accelerate adoption even further in the years ahead.
Read more at https://nfc-forum.org/news/2026-03-two-nfc-forum-specifications-adopted-as-iec-standards/