In the Russian Federation, the domestic passport is used as the citizens’ identity document. There are an estimated 150 million domestic passports in circulation in Russia. Of the companies having submitted offers in the initial phase of the tender, Goznak had pre-selected five Russian and non-Russian companies. After laboratory and security tests on samples presented by the competitors, Goznak selected two companies to receive orders to ensure the trial production. Axalto is the only non-Russian company selected. Initial quantities of international electronic passports will be produced and delivered before the end of 2005. esaby@axalto.com www.axalto.com