Mastercard releases MCL 4.1 specification
Mastercard has recently released updates and changes to their contactless specification for smartcard readers.
What’s new with MCL 4.1 specification ?
Get ready for MCL 4.1
The new contactless reader specification MCL version 4.1 has been released in July. It includes some changes related to the application and kernel selection.
The objective of these changes is to align with the process of Kernel ID management defined in EMV Book B and with the SEND POI INFORMATION command data.
In addition to the new specification release, updated documentation is available to fit to the new 4.1 version. Make sure to use the updated Testing Environment Version 4.1 and Product Registration Form v1.9, to register and submit your product to Mastercard MCL 4.1 type approval at an accredited laboratory.
Both versions of the Mastercard Contactless Reader specifications 4.0 and 4.1 will overlap until the 1st of April 2026, where MCL 4.1 will become mandatory.
Alcinéo will start to deliver their MCL kernel version 4.1 for their customers starting their registration process with Mastercard as of the 1st January 2026 to align with the requirements of the card network.
Visit Mastercard Connect website for more information.
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