BHDC reinforces its eSIM security through GSMA eSA evaluation with Applus+ Laboratories

Advancing secure connectivity solutions for global markets 

Beijing Huahong IC Design Co., Ltd. (BHDC), established in 1998 and affiliated with China Electronics Corporation (CEC), is a high-tech enterprise that focuses on digital identity authentication, IoT security, and mobile connectivity, providing high-end intelligent products and services. As demand for secure eSIM technologies continues to grow, aligning with GSMA security frameworks is a key step for enabling deployment across global ecosystems. 

Driving alignment with GSMA security requirements 

The project focused on evaluating BHDC’s eSIM solution against the GSMA eUICC Security Assurance (eSA) scheme, using the Embedded UICC for Consumer Devices Protection Profile v1.0 as the reference framework. 

Ensuring compliance required validating the security architecture and implementation against the applicable requirements, confirming that the solution meets the level of robustness expected for consumer eUICC deployments. 

Continuous refinement through close technical collaboration 

The evaluation progressed through several iterative cycles, combining technical assessment with successive improvements to the product. Throughout this process, continuous interaction between both teams ensured steady alignment with GSMA security expectations. 

BHDC maintained a strong level of engagement and responsiveness, which enabled a fluid progression of the evaluation activities. The collaboration was further reinforced through a transparent approach, including regular communication on progress and technical topics at each stage. 

A flexible and coordinated international project 

The project combined technical rigor with a flexible and well-coordinated execution model. Evaluation activities were adapted where needed to maintain efficiency while preserving the requirements of the certification scheme. 

Despite the distributed setup, the project benefited from: 

• Multilingual project management, including support in Chinese 
• On-site meetings in both Beijing and Barcelona 
• Close coordination with all parties involved in the evaluation and certification process 

This approach facilitated alignment, streamlined communication, and strengthened the working relationship between the teams. 

Achieving a robust level of security assurance 

Following the evaluation process, the eSIM solution demonstrated alignment with the security requirements defined under the GSMA eSA framework. The final stages progressed efficiently, reflecting the consistency achieved throughout the assessment. This result confirms the robustness of the implemented security mechanisms and the effectiveness of an evaluation approach based on iterative validation and continuous refinement. 

“Our collaboration with Applus+ Laboratories enabled us to validate our eSIM solution against the GSMA eUICC Security Assurance framework with a structured and rigorous evaluation approach. The clear and efficient communication, technical alignment, and thorough execution — complemented by rigorous code reviews that ensured quality and minimized rework — were key factors in reaching a consistent and robust level of security assurance.”— Ying Wang, Project Manager, BHDC 

A solid foundation for future collaboration 

This first collaboration between BHDC and Applus+ Laboratories demonstrates the value of transparency, technical rigor, and close coordination in complex security evaluation projects. It also creates a solid basis for future cooperation in the field of secure semiconductor and connectivity technologies.