Overview
ISO 14298:2021 - Graphic technology - Management of security printing processes - specifies requirements for a security printing management system applicable to security printers. The standard defines a minimum set of requirements that organisations can establish, document, implement and maintain to ensure consistent protection of security products, processes and assets. It promotes a process approach, requires regular review and continual improvement, and is written so its requirements can be objectively audited for certification/registration purposes.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 14298:2021 is structured around classic management-system clauses and focuses on practical security controls. Key topics include:
- Context of the organization: understanding internal/external issues and interested parties that affect security printing.
- Leadership and policy: top management commitment, a documented security policy, and defined roles and responsibilities.
- Planning: risk assessment, actions to address risks and opportunities, and the setting of security objectives.
- Support: resource allocation, competence, awareness, communication and documented information control.
- Operation: implementation and control of security printing processes to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
- Performance evaluation: monitoring, measurement, internal audit and management review.
- Improvement: handling nonconformities, security breaches, corrective/preventive actions and continual improvement.
- Annex A (normative): guidance on determination of security requirements related to the security printing management system.
The standard emphasizes protecting products, production means, premises, information and raw material supplies, and ensuring customer security requirements are met provided they do not conflict with the document.
Practical applications and users
ISO 14298:2021 is intended for organisations involved in secure printing and graphic technology, such as:
- Security printers producing banknotes, security documents, certificates, stamps, ID cards and other anti-fraud printed items
- Print service providers with dedicated secure print operations
- Organisations seeking third‑party certification of their security printing controls
Practical benefits include strengthened risk management, demonstrable controls against counterfeiting or diversion, improved customer confidence and a framework for audits and certification.
Related standards
- ISO 14298 series (other parts) - see ISO catalogue for the series listing
- General management-system standards (commonly implemented alongside ISO 14298), such as ISO 9001 for quality management
- ISO/IEC Directives referenced for standard development and terminology
Keywords: ISO 14298:2021, security printing management system, security printing processes, security printers, security controls, risk assessment, graphic technology, secure printing.