Overview
ISO 19301:2020 - Graphic technology - Guidelines for schema writers - Template for colour quality management provides a framework and template for developing colour quality management schemes and process certifications in print production. The standard is intended for schema writers, certification bodies and organisations that need comparable attestations or certifications worldwide. It focuses on repeatable colour reproduction and production management rather than auditing a full ISO 9001 implementation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Framework for certification schemes: A template structure that market- or sector-specific schemes can adopt to ensure consistent certification claims and comparability.
- Scope and referencing: Uses a placeholder concept “THE REFERENCED STANDARD” so schemes can point to any specific print-related standard (including digital press output conditions).
- Colour quality and production management system: Aligns with quality management principles of ISO 9001 but scoped specifically for colour quality processes.
- Operational requirements: Includes detailed topic areas such as:
- Press and digital output device maintenance
- Purchasing (consumables and measuring equipment)
- Identification, traceability and record-keeping
- Control, calibration and maintenance of measuring equipment
- Proof verification and test print procedures
- Roles and competence: Defines roles like colour champion, and competence requirements for auditors, technical experts and reviewers involved in certification.
- Demonstration of product conformity: Templates for product testing, sampling regimes, day-to-day production verification and reporting to support certification claims.
- Certification and accreditation: Guidance for certification bodies on accreditation, audit time and frequency, product testing, and information provision to customers.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 19301:2020
- Print service providers and commercial printers implementing colour quality management for consistent output.
- Brand owners and graphic designers seeking reproducible, certifiable colour results.
- Certification bodies and accreditation organizations building or validating print colour certification schemes.
- Quality managers and production engineers responsible for colour control, measurement equipment and process audits.
- Schema writers developing market- or sector-specific certification documents based on a standardized template.
Related standards
ISO 19301:2020 references and complements other graphic-technology and conformity standards, for example:
ISO 19301:2020 is a practical, structured resource for achieving consistent, auditable colour quality management and comparable certifications across the graphic arts and print production industries.