EMVFilter

EMVFilter is a software component used in payment processing to handle EMV data from chip cards and contactless transactions. It provides parsing, validation, and normalization of EMV data so downstream systems can enforce EMVCo specifications and maintain data consistency across devices and gateways.

Core features include TLV parsing and interpretation of EMV data elements such as the Application Identifier (AID), Application Interchange Profile (AIP), and the Application File Locator (AFL), as well as cardholder verification method (CVM) results. EMVFilter also performs data filtering and redaction for security, supporting data minimization and secure logging. It translates EMV data into internal models used by gateways, processors, and analytics layers, and includes error handling and diagnostics to aid integration and troubleshooting. The component is designed to support both offline and online authorization flows and to operate across various card presence scenarios.

Architecture and integration are typically library- or service-based, with bindings for common programming languages and a well-defined API. EMVFilter is intended to fit into payment stacks that acquire EMV data from point-of-sale terminals or readers, normalize it for business logic, and pass it to authorization engines, risk modules, or settlement systems. It emphasizes compatibility with EMVCo standards and interoperability across vendors, devices, and platforms.

Security and compliance considerations focus on data minimization and secure handling of sensitive elements, such as PANs and cryptograms. Logs and audit trails should be configurable to avoid exposing sensitive data, aligning with PCI DSS and related regulatory requirements.

See also: EMV, EMVCo, TLV, ARQC, AIP, AFL, CVM.