RICHMOND, British Columbia — London Drugs has become the first retailer in North America to offer passport photo services including biometric imaging technology.

On July 1 Canada implemented a biometric passport, or ePassport, system. Biometrics is the measurement of unique physical characteristics, including facial features, in order to verify identity with a high level of ­certainty.

“Travelers will benefit from this new system where staff will instantaneously check photos against global and local regulations via wireless camera-to-computer connection,” photo electronics business manager Andy Kahrmann says. “Being the first retailer in North America to bring this global imaging service to our customers is testament to the constant drive for innovation in our business.”

The new service will be offered via in-store ID stations developed in the Netherlands. Each passport photo is analyzed according to country and purpose, and the ID station’s biometric engine approves or declines the image prior to printing.

The system has Wi-Fi access to an on-screen country guide that tells the system what size ID photo is required. The imaging system then allows the background color to be changed depending on the country ­requirements.

If a photo is not approved by the Passport Canada office, London Drugs will issue the customer a $50 gift card and retake the photo.