UGANDA STANDARD  
  US 820
First Edition
2008-09-08
 
 
Reference numbe r
US 820: 2008
 © UNBS 2008
  
Scholastic stationery — Specification 
 US 820: 2008 
ii © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations 
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2008  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, in cluding photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to 
The Executive Director 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
P.O. Box 6329 
Kampala  
Uganda 
Tel: 256 414 505 995 
Fax: 256 414 286 123 
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  US 820:2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  iii
 Contents Page 
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................vi  
1 Scope.......................................................................................................................... ............................1  
2 Normative re feren ces........................................................................................................... .................1  
3 Terms and de finiti ons .......................................................................................................... .................1  
4 Materials ...................................................................................................................... ...........................2  
4.1 Paper.......................................................................................................................... .............................2  
4.2 Additional requirement  for drawing paper....................................................................................... ...3 
4.3 Interleavi ng pape r..................................................................................................................................3  
4.4 Covers ......................................................................................................................... ...........................3  
4.4.1 Soft co vers .............................................................................................................................................3  
4.4.2 Hard covers.................................................................................................................... ........................4  
4.5 Binding wire and staples ......................................................................................................................4  
4.5.1 Binding wire ...........................................................................................................................................4  
4.5.2 Staples........................................................................................................................ ............................4  
4.6 Sewing threads, spine-reinforcing mate rials, binding tape s and adhesives..................................4  
4.7 End-leaves of ha rd-cover books................................................................................................. .........4  
5 General requirem ents fo r books................................................................................................. .........5  
5.1 Type ........................................................................................................................................................5  
5.2 Dimens ions ..................................................................................................................... .......................5  
5.3 Format ......................................................................................................................... ...........................5  
5.4 Number of  pages ...................................................................................................................................6  
5.5 Grades of paper and number of pages of each grade.......................................................................6  
5.5.1 Grades of paper and number of pages of each grade.......................................................................6  
5.5.2 Allowance of better than  minimum requirements..............................................................................9  
5.6 Type of cover .................................................................................................................. .......................9  
5.7 Ruling......................................................................................................................................................9  
5.7.1 General ........................................................................................................................ ...........................9  
5.7.2 Feint, Irish, quad and wide ruling ............................................................................................. .........13  
5.7.3 Top and bottom  margins ......................................................................................................... ...........13  
5.7.4 Side margins ................................................................................................................... .....................14  
5.8 Binding ........................................................................................................................ .........................14  
5.8.1 General ........................................................................................................................ .........................14  
5.8.2 Soft-cover books ............................................................................................................... ..................14  
5.8.3 Hard-cover  books............................................................................................................... .................15  
5.9 Printing ....................................................................................................................... ..........................16  
6 Specific requirem ents fo r books ................................................................................................ .......16  
6.1 General-exercise and scribbli ng books .......................................................................................... ..16 
6.1.1 General ........................................................................................................................ .........................16  
6.1.2 Ruling on altern ate pages ...................................................................................................... ............16  
6.2 Accountancy  books .............................................................................................................. ..............16  
6.3 Graph books .................................................................................................................... ....................16  
6.3.1 Types of ruling on l eaves ...................................................................................................... .............16  
6.3.2 Ruling of pag es for gr aphs..................................................................................................... ............16  
6.3.3 Ruling of pages for writing.................................................................................................... .............17  
6.4 Drawing books.................................................................................................................. ...................17  
6.4.1 With interle aving paper........................................................................................................ ...............17  
6.4.2 Without interl eaving paper ..................................................................................................... ............17  
6.5 Shorthand no tebooks ............................................................................................................ .............17  
6.6 Biology and natu re study books................................................................................................. .......17  US 820: 2008 
iv © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 6.7 Music books .................................................................................................................... .................... 17  
6.8 Theme books.................................................................................................................... ................... 17  
6.9 Mapping bo oks.................................................................................................................. .................. 17  
6.10 Examination answer books ....................................................................................................... ........ 18  
6.10.1  Internal examin ation bo oks ..................................................................................................... .......... 18  
6.10.2  External exami nation bo oks..................................................................................................... ......... 18  
6.11 Index books.................................................................................................................... ..................... 18  
6.11.1  Fully indexed.................................................................................................................. ..................... 18  
6.11.2  Partly indexed ................................................................................................................. .................... 19  
7 Specific requirements for ru led sheets of  paper............................................................................. 19  
7.1 Type........................................................................................................................... ........................... 19  
7.2 Materi al ....................................................................................................................... ......................... 19  
7.2.1 Minimum requi rements ........................................................................................................... ........... 19  
7.2.2 Allowance of better than  minimum requi rements........................................................................... 19  
7.3 Dimens ions..................................................................................................................... ..................... 19  
7.4 Collating of fly sheets ........................................................................................................ ................ 19  
7.5 Ruling......................................................................................................................... .......................... 19  
8 Sampling and compliance wi th the speci fication............................................................................ 20  
8.1 Sampling....................................................................................................................... ....................... 20  
8.1.1 General........................................................................................................................ ......................... 20  
8.1.2 Sample for inspection of  packing and marking............................................................................... 20  
8.1.3 Sample for inspection of boo ks and packets of paper................................................................... 20  
8.1.4 Sample for testing............................................................................................................. .................. 21  
8.2 Compliance with th e specification.............................................................................................. ...... 21  
8.2.1 Books .......................................................................................................................... ......................... 21  
8.2.2 Sheets ......................................................................................................................... ......................... 21  
9 Inspection, conditioning a nd methods of  test................................................................................. 22  
9.1 Inspection of packi ng and marking .............................................................................................. .... 22  
9.2 Conditioning................................................................................................................... ..................... 22  
9.3 Inspection of books............................................................................................................ ................ 22  
9.3.1 Examination.................................................................................................................... ..................... 22  
9.3.2 Number of  pages................................................................................................................ ................. 22  
9.3.3 Dimensions of books ............................................................................................................ ............. 22  
9.3.4 Ruling......................................................................................................................... .......................... 23  
9.3.5 Staple binding ................................................................................................................. .................... 25  
9.3.6 Binding of hard -cover books.................................................................................................... ......... 25  
9.3.7 Binding of wire-bound boo ks (shorthand notebook s).................................................................... 25  
9.3.8 Position of perforations in in ternal examinat ion books ................................................................. 25  
9.3.9 Size of letters and cut- outs in i ndex books .................................................................................... .2 6 
9.3.10  Length of extension of back cover of external exami nation bo oks .............................................. 26  
9.3.11  Flushness of  covers ............................................................................................................ ............... 26  
9.4 Inspection of shee ts of paper.................................................................................................. .......... 26  
9.4.1 Number of sh eets per packet .................................................................................................... ........ 26  
9.4.2 Examination.................................................................................................................... ..................... 26  
9.4.3 Dimensions of sh eets........................................................................................................... .............. 26  
9.4.4 Ruling......................................................................................................................... .......................... 26  
9.5 Testing of materials and performance of book s ............................................................................. 26  
9.5.1 Grammage ....................................................................................................................... .................... 26  
9.5.2 Apparent bulk dens ity of co ver board........................................................................................... ... 26 
9.5.3 Resistance to internal tearing ................................................................................................. .......... 27  
9.5.4 Quality of sewing threads, spine-reinforci ng materials, binding ta pes and adhesives.............. 27  
9.5.5 Quality of  binding ............................................................................................................. .................. 28  
9.5.6 Fibre comp osition.............................................................................................................. ................. 28  
9.5.7 Brightness of pa per............................................................................................................ ................ 28  
9.5.8 Brightness of pa per after aging ................................................................................................ ........ 28  
9.5.9 Opacity of  paper............................................................................................................... ................... 28  
9.5.10  Bursting st rength.............................................................................................................. .................. 28  
9.5.11  Performance of perforations in  internal examin ation books ......................................................... 28  US 820:2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  v
 10 Packing and marking ............................................................................................................ ..............29  
10.1 Packing........................................................................................................................ .........................29  
10.1.1  Packets ........................................................................................................................ .........................29  
10.1.2  Bulk cont ainers................................................................................................................ ....................29  
10.2 Marking of p acked b ooks ........................................................................................................ ...........29  
10.2.1  Packets ........................................................................................................................ .........................29  
10.2.2  Bulk cont ainers................................................................................................................ ....................29  
10.3 Marking of packets of ru led sheets of paper.................................................................................... 29 
10.3.1  Packets ........................................................................................................................ .........................29  
10.3.2  Bulk cont ainers................................................................................................................ ....................30  
Annex A (normative)  Notes to pur chasers ....................................................................................... ............31  
A.1 Books.......................................................................................................................... ..........................31  
A.2 Sheets......................................................................................................................... ..........................31  
 
 US 820: 2008 
vi © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 Foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry  of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda.  UNBS is mandated to co-ordinate the 
elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex A limentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agr eements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a gi ven field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academician s, manufacturers, governme nt and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committ ee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
Committee membership 
The following organisations were represented on th e Technical Committee for Chemicals and environment 
standards, UNBS/TC 5 in the dev elopment of this standard: 
• Graphic Systems (U) Ltd 
• Kendo Mills 
• Kengroup 
• Picfare Industries Ltd. 
• Riley Packaging (U) Ltd 
• Transpaper 
• Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
• Uganda Printers Association 
 UGANDA STANDARD US 820: 2008
 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  1
 Scholastic stationary — Specification 
1 Scope 
This specification covers several types of books and sheets of paper intended for scholastic and related uses. 
It specifies the covers, the bindings, the grades of paper and the types of ruling. 
NOTE The information to be specified in tender invitations  and in each order or contract is listed in Annex A. 
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies. 
US ISO 186, Paper and board — Sampling to determine average quality   
US ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for 
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples  
US ISO 216, Writing paper and certain classes of printed matter — Trimmed sizes — A and B series and 
indication of machine direction 
US ISO 534,  Paper and board — Determination of thickness, density and specific volume 
US ISO 536, Paper and board — Determination of grammage  
US ISO 1974, Paper — Determination of tear ing resistance (Elmendorf method) 
US ISO 2470, Paper and board — Measurement of diffuse blue reflectance factor (ISO brightness) 
US ISO 2471, Paper and board — Determination of opacity (paper backing) — Diffuse reflectance method  
US ISO 2758, Paper — Determination of bursting strength 
ISO 353, Processed writing paper and certain classes of printed matter — Method of expression of 
dimensions 
ISO 4046, Paper, board, pulp and related terms — Vocabulary  
ISO 9184-3, Paper, board and pulps — Fibre furnish analysis — Part 3: Herzberg staining test  
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the definitions gi ven below, the nomenclature pertaining to books as 
indicated in Figure 8, and the nomenclature given in US ISO 216, ISO 353 and ISO 4046 apply, with the provision that the definitions given below shall be preferred over possible alternative definitions given in the 
ISO specifications. US 820: 2008 
2 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 3.1  
acceptable 
acceptable to the purchaser  
3.2  
chemical  
when used to describe paper or paper fibres, denotes a derivation from chemical pulp 
3.3  
chemical pulp  
defined as in ISO 4046, but with the provision that it may contain at most 5 % by mass of mechanical pulp 
3.4  
defective  
corrugated board container, a packet, a book, a sheet of  paper, or a group of books or group of sheets of 
paper of which the average property has been determined, t hat fails in one or more respects to comply with 
the relevant requirements of this spec ification acceptable to the purchaser  
3.5  
grammage  
mass per unit area of sheet material, expressed in grams per square metre   
3.5.1  
grammage actual 
average grammage obtained on a sample of paper under spec ified test conditions and that would normally be 
within ± 5 % of the nominal grammage  
3.5.2  
grammage nominal 
designated grammage of paper, that is used for reference purposes  
3.6  
leaf  
part of a sheet of paper in a book which extends from  the binding edge of the book towards the front edge of 
the book. 
3.7  
lot  
at least five containers or packets containing nominally identical books, or at least five containers or packets 
containing nominally identical sheets of paper  
3.8  
mechanical  
when used to describe paper or paper fibres, denotes a derivation from mechanical pulp 
3.9  
page  
one of the opposite faces of a leaf   
3.10  
quad  
ruling of a page into nominally 7 mm squares, commonly called "quadruling” 
4 Materials 
4.1 Paper 
All paper shall US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  3
 a) comply with the relevant requirements of Table 1, 
b) be acceptably free from defects such as fibre bundles, holes, wood splinters, specks and breaks, and 
c) accept writing media such as pencils and ballpoi nt pens without exhibiting any strike-through or undue 
signs of feathering or spread. 
Table 1 — Requirements for physical properties of writing and drawing paper  
Property Writing paper Drawing 
paper Test 
method 
Sub-clause
Grade Grade A  
(Chemical 
wove) Grade B 
(Mechanical wove) Grade C 
(Chemical cartridge) Grade D  
(Newsprint) (Chemical cartridge) 9.5.6 
Grammage,  g/m2 
 a) Nominal 
 b) Actual, min.  58 
55 60 
57 105 
100 47 
42 90 
85 - 
9.5.1  
Bursting strength, kPa, min. 90 65 90 40 90 9.5.10 
Opacity, %, min. 78 90 - 90 - 9.5.9 
Brightness, %, min. 
 a) Initial 
 b) After aging 75 
- 65 
50 80 
- - 
- 80 
- 9.5.7 
9.5.8 
Colour White Cream White Natural White - 
 
4.2 Additional requirement for drawing paper  
In addition to complying with the requirements of 4.1, drawing paper shall accept all commonly used drawing 
media without exhibiting undue signs of strike-through, feathering or spread. 
4.3 Interleaving paper 
Interleaving paper shall be light-weight, of natural co lour, uncreased and acceptably free from other defects 
that could impair its serviceability. 
4.4 Covers 
4.4.1 Soft covers 
The material for soft covers shall be a paper that complie s with the requirements given in Table 2, appropriate 
to the type of soft cover. In the case of SO material and S1 material for books for external examinations, the 
colour shall be as specified by the purchaser US 820: 2008 
4 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 Table 2 — Requirements for physical properties of covers 
Type of soft cover 
Property 
S0 S1 S2 S3 Hard cover1) Test method
Sub-clause 
Grammage, g/m2, min. 55 95 135 165 800 9.5.1 
Apparent bulk density, kg/m3, 
min. - - - - 560 9.5.2 
Bursting strength, kPa, min. 90 - - - - 9.5.10 
Internal tearing resistance (in 
each direction), mN, min. - 600 1 000 1 400 - 9.5.3 
1) After attachment of end-leaf.  
 
4.4.2 Hard covers 
The material for hard covers shall be a board that is faced or painted on the outside with a scuff-resistant 
black paper or black paint. The board and facing shall be su ch that a cover, after attachment of the end-leaf, 
complies with the relevant requirements in Table 2. 
4.5 Binding wire and staples 
4.5.1 Binding wire 
Binding wire shall be a wire of acceptable quality that has been so coated or plated as to render it corrosion 
resistant under normal conditions of us e, and that is of diameter, measur ed in accordance with 9.3.7.3, at 
least 0.7 mm. 
4.5.2 Staples 
Staples shall be of a wire that complies with the require ments of 4.5.1, except that its diameter, measured in 
accordance with 9.3.5.2, shall be at least 0.4 mm. The overall crown length of staples in a book shall be at 
least 12 mm, and the exposed length of the clinched ends of the staples shall each be at least 5 mm. 
4.6 Sewing threads, spine-reinforcing materials, binding tapes and adhesives 
Sewing threads, spine-reinforcing materials, binding tapes and adhesives used in the binding of hard cover 
books shall be of acceptable quality and such that wh en books are tested in accordance with 9.5.4 and 9.5.5, 
the books show not more than slight signs of wear. 
4.7 End-leaves of hard-cover books 
An end-leaf of a partly indexed book shall be of a paper that complies with the requirements in Table 2 for an 
S3 soft-cover material. An end-leaf of all other hard-cover books shall be a leaf from t he first or last section of 
the book, as relevant, or shall be of a whit e paper that complies with the requirements 
a) for the grade of writing paper used in the book, or 
b) for white drawing paper. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  5
 5 General requirements for books 
5.1 Type 
Books shall be of one of the following types (see also table 4), as specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (a) of 
Annex A): 
a) general exercise; 
b) scribbling; 
c) accountancy 
d) graph; 
e) drawing: 
• without interleaving paper; and  
• with interleaving paper; 
f) shorthand notebook (stenographer); 
g) biology and nature study; 
h) music; 
i) theme; 
j) mapping; 
k) examination answer: 
• internal examination; and 
• external examination; 
l) index: 
• fully indexed; and 
• partly indexed. 
5.2 Dimensions 
The width and height of a book (see Figure 8) shall confor m to the values given in Table 3, appropriate to its 
format. 
5.3 Format 
The format of books shall be the appropriate format given in Table 4 or, where more than one format is given for a type of book, the format shall be the format (in Table 4) specified by the purcha ser (see A.1.(b) of Annex 
A).
  US 820: 2008 
6 
 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reservedTable 3 — Format dimensions 
Dimensions1), 
mm Format 
Width He ight Test method 
Sub-clause 
A5 148 210 
A5L 210 148 
A5T2) 148 210 
A4 210 297 
A4L 297 210 
A3L 420 297 
Ex Book 160 210 
Book 210 262 9.3.3 
1) Subject to a tolerance of ± 5 mm 
2) Bound along a top edge  
 
5.4 Number of pages 
Except in the case of books for external examinations, the nominal number of pages shall be the appropriate 
number or, when applicable, one of the appropriate numbers  in Table 4, as specified by the purchaser (see 
A.1(c) of Annex A). Books for external examinations  shall contain the number of pages specified by the 
purchaser. In the case of section-sewn hard cover books bound in accordance with 5.8.3.2.1, the pasted-down end-leaves shall each be counted as two pages. 
5.5 Grades of paper and number of pages of each grade  
5.5.1 Grades of paper and number of pages of each grade  
The grade(s) of paper in a book and, when applicab le, the number of pages of each grade, shall be as 
specified in Table 4, and each grade shall comply with the relevant requirements in Table 1. In the case of 
general exercise, accountancy and graph books, shor thand notebooks, biology and nature study books, 
theme, internal and external examination books, and fu lly or partly indexed books,  the grade of paper shall be 
as specified by the purchaser(see A.1.(d) of Annex A) US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  7
 Table 4 — Requirements specific to type of book 
Number of pages 
of writing paper 
(see 5.5) Type of book Format 
(see Table 
3) Number of pages 
of drawing paper 
(see 5.5) Nominal 
number of 
pages (see 5.4) Number of pages of 
interleaving paper 
(see 5.5) Grade of 
writing paper 
(see Table 1)1) Type of 
cover (see 
Table 2) Type of ruling (see 5.7) when and as required 
(see Clause 6) (see 5.1) 
General exercise (see 
6.1) A5 32, 48 or 72 B 
A5L 
A4 
A4 
A5 
A4 32, 48 or 72 
32 
72 
96,128 or 192 
96,128 or 192 B 
A 
A 
A 
A 32, 48 or 72 
32,48 or 72 
32 
72 
96,128 or 192 
96,128 or 192   S1 
S1 
S1 
S2 
Hard 
Hard a) Unruled, or  
Scribbling (see 6.1) A5 
A5L 
A4 
A4 32 or 48 
32 or 48 
32 or 48 
72 D 
D 
D 
D 32 or 48 
32 or 48 
32 or 48 
72   S1 
S1 
S1 
S2 b) ruled 
 1) feint, Irish, wide or quad,  
 2) with or without margin line,  and 
 3) every page or alternate pages  only 
Accountancy (see 
6.2) A4 
A4 72 A 72   
192 A 192 S2 
Hard Double-column ledger, trebl e-column cash journal, 
six-column analysis, eight-column cash journal, 
eight-column creditor’s journal or eight- column accounting journal 
Graph (see 6.3) A4 36 A 36 ) ) S1 Alternately feint with margin line, and graph. 
Drawing (without interleaving paper, see 6.4.2) A4L 
A4L 
A3L 24  ) 24 
48 
32 ) 48 
32 ) 
) S1 
S1 
S2 Unruled 
Drawing (with 
interleaving paper, 
see 6.4.1) A4L 48 ) ) 24 24/24 S1 Unruled 
A3L 72 ) ) 36 36/36 S2 
Shorthand notebooks (see 6.5) A5T 144 A 144 ) ) S3 a) Feint, and 
b) with or without dividing line 
 
Table 4 continued b) double-column ledger, treble-
column cash journal, six-column 
analysis, eight-column cash journal, eight-column creditor’s journal, or 
eight-column accounting  journal 
8 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reservedBiology & nature study 
(see 6.6) A5 
A4 
A4 48 
72 
96 A 
A 
A 24 
36 
48 24 
36 
48  S2 
S2 
Hard a) Feint or Irish, and 
b) with or without margin line 
Music (see 6.7) A5L 
A4 32 
32 C 
C 32 
32 ) 
) ) 
) S  
S2 Ruled for music 
Theme (see 6.8) A4L 72 = 24 + 24 + 24 A 24 24 24 S2 a) Feint, and 
b) with or without margin line 
Mapping (see 6.9) A4L 36 or 48 ) ) 36 or 48 ) S1 With or without border lines 
Internal examination (see 6.10.1) A4 20 or 32 A 32 ) ) S1 a) Feint, and 
b) with or without margin line 
External examination 
(see 6.10.2) A4 As specified by the 
purchaser (see 
A.1.(c) of Annex 
A) A As specified by 
the purchaser 
(see A.1.(c) of 
Annex A) ) ) S0 (20 pages 
or less) 
S1 (over 20 
pages) a) Feint, with left-hand and right-hand 
margin lines, and ruled both sides or 
right-hand pages only; or 
Fully indexed (see 
6.11.1) A4 96 or 192 A 96 or 192 ) ) Hard Feint 
Partly indexed (see 6.11.2) A4 288 or 368 A 288 or 368 ) ) Hard Feint 
1) As specified by the purchas er (see A.I.(d) of Annex A) US 820: 2008 
 Table 4 completed  
 US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  9
 5.5.2 Allowance of better than minimum requirements 
In all cases manufacturers may, at their discretion,  use chemical paper where mechanical paper is required, 
and may use a higher grammage than the minimum grammage required, provided that only one grade and 
one grammage are used in the manufacture of the books in any one lot. 
5.6 Type of cover 
The cover of a book shall be of the appropriate type gi ven in Table 4, and the cover shall comply with the 
requirements of 4.4.1 or 4.4.2, as relevant. 
5.7 Ruling 
5.7.1 General 
Ruling shall comply with the following requirements: 
a) Ruling shall be of the appropriate type given in Tabl e 4 and, except in the case of drawing, graph and 
music books, shall be as specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (e) of Annex A). 
b) Ruling shall be at right angles to the bound edge of the book, except that, in shorthand notebooks, it 
shall be parallel to the bound edge. In the case of  quad ruling, the two major components of the ruling 
shall be at right angles and parallel, respectively, to the bound edge. 
c) Ruling for writing purposes shall, in all cases, be limited to those pages that consist of writing paper. 
d) Ruling shall be sharp and shall not feather, and shall not exhibit bleed- through or show-through. 
e) In the case of accountancy book s, there shall be a clear distinct ion in appearance between regular 
and bold ruling of the horizontal and vertical ruling, where applicable and as reflected in [Figures 1 to 7 (including Figures1 (a), 2(a), 3(a) and 4(a)] Wher e horizontal ruling of the same type is present on 
both sides of a leaf, the ruling the two sides shall register. 
f) Except in music books (see 6.7), the colour of ruli ng for writing purposes shall be  blue or green, or of 
a blue-green shade.   US 820: 2008 
10 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
   Dimensions in millimetres 
 
Figure 1 — Double-column ledger 
 
Figure 2 — Treble-column cash book 
 
Figure 3 — Journal 
 
Figure 4 — Six column analysis 
 US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  11
   Dimensions in millimetres 
 
Figure 1 (a) — Double-column ledger 
 
 
Figure 2 (a) — Treble-column cash book 
 
Figure 3 (a) — Journal 
 
Figure 4 (a) — Six column analysis US 820: 2008 
12 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 Dimensions in millimetres 
 
Figure 5 — Eight-column cash journal  
 
Dimensions in millimetres 
 
NOTE Colour of vertical ruling as for horizontal  ruling, that is, as specified in 5.7.1 (f) 
Figure 6 — Eight-column creditor’s journal  
All vertical lines are bold, except that columns shall be light. 
 
NOTE Colour of vertical ruling as for horizontal ruling  
Figure 7 — Eight-column accounting journal  
 
 US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  13
 
 
Figure 7 — Nomenclature relevant to books covered by the specification (Book in normal position of 
usage)  
5.7.2 Feint, Irish, quad and wide ruling 
The individual and average spacings of feint, Irish, quad and wide ruling, determined in accordance with 
9.3.4.2, shall conform to the approp riate values given in Table 5. 
Table 5 — Spacing of ruling 
Dimensions in millimetres 
Nominal 
spacing Calculated average spacing 
between adjacent lines Type of ruling Actual spacing
Wide 17.0 17.0 ± 0.5 17.0 ± 0.5 
Feint 8.5 8.5 ± 0.5 8.5 ± 0.3 
Quad1) 7.0 7.0 ± 0.5 7.0 ± 0.2 
Irish 5.0 5.0 ± 0.5 5.0 ± 0.2 
1) Commonly called "quadruling" 
5.7.3 Top and bottom margins 
Except in the case of accountancy books and acc ountancy sheets, feint, Irish and wide ruling and the 
horizontal component of quad ruling shall be so positioned as to leave an unruled top margin of at least 16 
mm and at most 22 mm. Ruling shall extend to the bo ttom of the page and the depth of the bottom margin 
shall not exceed the greater of 8 mm and 1.5 times the nominal spacing of the approp riate ruling, except that, 
in the case of wide ruling, the depth shall not exceed 17 mm. US 820: 2008 
14 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 5.7.4 Side margins 
5.7.4.1 Left hand 
A vertical line that marks a left-hand margin shall be parallel to the left-hand edge of the page (see Figure 8) 
and shall extend over the entire height  of the page. The distance between a margin line and the left-hand 
edge of a page shall be at least 12 mm and at most 20 mm, except that, in soft-cover books that contain more 
than 72 pages, this distance shall be at least 12 mm and at most 30 mm. The colour of a margin line shall be 
red or shall be the same colour as that of the ruling. If the colour of the margin line is the same as that of the 
ruling, the margin line shall be ruled bold. There sh all be a clear distinction in appearance between regular 
and bold ruling. In the case of quad ruling, the margin line shall replace a vertical line and shall be within 1 mm of the position of the replaced line. 
5.7.4.2 Right hand 
The use of right-hand margin lines shall be limited to books for external examinations (see Table 4 and 
6.10.2). Right-hand margin lines shall comply with the requirements for left-hand margin lines, except that the 
distance shall be measured between the marg in line and the right-hand edge of the page. 
5.8 Binding 
5.8.1 General 
The free edges of the covers of all books, except bo oks for external examinations, shall have been trimmed 
flush, to within 1 mm, with the pages, and the books shall be rectangular. Books for external examinations shall have been trimmed likewise except for the back cover, which shall have been extended and folded back 
as described in 6.10.2. 
5.8.2 Soft-cover books 
5.8.2.1 Stapled books 
5.8.2.1.1 Format A4 and A4L books that contain at least 72 pages 
Format A4 books shall be bound with at least three staples along one longer edge. Format A4L books shall be 
bound with at least two staples along one shorter edge. The staples shall be positioned as follows: 
a) the outer staples shall be at least 25 mm and at most 60 mm from the top and bottom edges 
respectively, of the book; and 
b) the inner staple or staples (if any) shall be sp aced between the two outer staples in an acceptably 
uniform manner. 
5.8.2.1.2 Format A4 and A4L books that contain fewer than 72 pages 
The books shall be bound as specified in 5.8.2.1.1, exc ept that the inner staple or staples may be left out. 
5.8.2.1.3 Format A5 and A5L books 
The books shall be bound, along one longer edge in the case of A5 books and along one shorter edge in the case of A5L books, with at least two staples. The staples shall be positioned as follows: 
a) the outer staples shall be at least 25 mm and at most 40 mm from the top and bottom edges of the 
book respectively; and 
b) any additional staple or staples shall be spaced between the outer staples in an acceptably uniform  
way.  US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  15
 5.8.2.2 Wire-bound books 
Books of format A5T (that is, shorth and notebooks) shall be bound with wire. There shall be a row of at least 
12 uniformly spaced holes so clean-punched through t he cover and pages of the book along its top (shorter) 
edge that there is a clearance of at least 2 mm between that edge and the edges of the holes. Wire, coiled or 
otherwise, shall have been so threaded through the holes as to enable the book to be opened flat through 
360°. 
5.8.3 Hard-cover books 
5.8.3.1 General 
All hard-cover books shall be quarter bound, of robust co nstruction, and shall comply with the requirements for 
the attachment of cover bo ards given in 5.8.3.2.3. 
5.8.3.2 Methods of binding 
5.8.3.2.1 Section sewing 
Books constructed by section sewi ng shall contain the appropriate number of sections, each section 
consisting of at most 16 fly sheets appropriately fold ed and assembled by sewing down the fold. The top and 
bottom stitches shall be at most 40 mm from the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the book . 
5.8.3.2.2 Adhesive binding 
The leaves of a book constructed by means of adhes ive binding shall consist of single sheets whose bound 
edges are flush, and so secured together by adhesive , that each sheet is held firmly in position. 
5.8.3.2.3 Attachment of cover boards 
Cover boards shall be attached to the spine of the bound pages in accordance with sound commercial practice, and shall be attached to one another with the aid of outer, and preferably also inner, spine-
reinforcing materials. The width of the gap between a cover board and the spine shall not exceed 8 mm. 
Spine-reinforcing materials shall overlap the relevant edges of the cover boards by at least 10 mm, and shall 
be securely attached to the boards over the entire area of each overlap. Inner spine reinforcing material, when 
used, and outer spine-reinforcing material used without  inner spine reinforcing material, shall be securely 
attached to the spine of the bound sheets. 
5.8.3.3 Constructional requirements 
5.8.3.3.1 Books that contain more than 192 pages 
Partly indexed books shall be construct ed by means of section sewing as specified in 5.8.3.2.1. At least three 
approximately uniformly spaced binding tapes shall be either sewn or pa sted onto the spine of the sewn 
sections and securely pasted onto both cover-boards ov er a distance of at least 20 mm. The books shall have 
hook-on end-sheets. 
5.8.3.3.2 Books that contain at most 192 pages 
Hard-cover books that contain at most 192 pages shall be  constructed, at the discretion of the manufacturer, 
by means of section sewing (see 5.8.3.2.1) or adhe sive binding (see 5.8.3.2.2) along one longer edge. 
5.8.3.4 Performance test requirements 
When a hard-cover book is tested in accordance with US 820: 2008 
16 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 a) 9.5.4, the book shall sh ow no sign of wear that coul d impair its serviceability, or  show little or no sign 
of the pages having been torn or become detached from the book; and 
b) b). 9.5.5, there shall be little or no sign of any of the components having become detached from one 
another, or having suffered significant damage. 
5.9 Printing 
When printing is required, it shall be limited to the covers of a book and, in the case of books for external 
examinations, it shall be further limited to the outside of the front cover and the inside surface of the extension 
of the back cover (see 6.10.2). In all cases, printing shall be as specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (f) of 
Annex A). 
6 Specific requirements for books 
6.1 General-exercise and scribbling books 
6.1.1 General 
The ruling of general-exercise and scribbling books shall be as described in 5.7.1. 
6.1.2 Ruling on alternate pages 
When ruling on alternate pages is required, the first page (in the case of hard-cover books, the first one that is 
not an end-leaf) shall be ruled, and thereafter, one of each pair of facing pages shall be ruled and the other 
unruled, except that the two centre pages in a soft-cover book shall both be ruled or both unruled, at the 
discretion of the manufacturer. 
6.2 Accountancy books 
Accountancy books shall have a double-column ledger, treble-column cash journal, six-column analysis, eight-
column cash journal, eight-column creditor's journal,  or eight-column accounting journal type ruling, as 
required in terms of 5.7.1, and the requirements for ma rgins given in 5.7.3 and 5.7.4 shall not apply. The 
horizontal components of accountancy ruling shall be feint ruling, and shall allow for at least 29 entries on each page. The horizontal ruling at the head of each page shall be as shown in, or similar to that shown, in 
Figures 1 and 1(a), 2 and 2(a), 3 and 3(a), 4 and 4(a), 5, 6 or 7, as appropriate, and the spacing of these lines 
shall, except where otherwise indicated, be at the disc retion of the manufacturer. The spacing and colours of 
the vertical components of accountancy ruling shall be as specified in Figures 1 and 1(a), 2 and 2(a), 3 and 
3(a), 4 and 4(a), 5, 6 or 7, as applicable. 
6.3 Graph books  
6.3.1 Types of ruling on leaves 
Graph books shall consist of leaves so ruled that the first page is ruled for writing purposes. Thereafter, one 
page of each pair of facing pages shall be ruled for wr iting purposes and the other page for graphs, except 
that the two centre pages may, at the discretion of the manufac turer, be ruled for graphs only. 
6.3.2 Ruling of pages for graphs  
The pages for graphs shall be ruled in nominally 2.0 mm s quares, and shall have unruled margins at all four 
edges. The horizontal rows shall each contain 80 squares , and the vertical columns, 130 squares. Every fifth 
and tenth line in both horizontal and vertical directions shall be ruled bolder than the rest, and every tenth line 
shall be bolder than every fifth. The distance between the centre-lines of any pair of adjacent ruled lines shall be 2.0 mm ± 0.1 mm. In addition, the average distance between adjacent lines shall be 2.00 mm ± 0.06 mm. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  17
 The width of the margin adjacent to the binding e dge shall range from 20 mm to 30 mm, and that of the 
margins at the top, bottom and remaining side, shall each be at least 15 mm. 
6.3.3 Ruling of pages for writing 
The pages reserved for writing shall be ruled feint and the ruling shall incorporate a left-hand margin line (see 
5.7.4.1). 
6.4 Drawing books 
6.4.1 With interleaving paper 
The two centre leaves shall be of interleaving paper, and from front and back to the centre, leaves of drawing 
paper and interleaving paper shall alternate. 
6.4.2 Without interleaving paper 
Books shall contain drawing paper only.  
6.5 Shorthand notebooks 
The writing paper of shorthand notebooks shall be ruled feint on both sides. When a dividing line is required, it 
shall be ruled at right angles to the feint ruling (see 5.7.1) and shall be within 3 mm of the imaginary centre-line (see 9.3.4.8.2) of the page. 
6.6 Biology and nature study books 
In biology and nature study books, s heets of ruled writing paper and unruled drawing paper shall alternate 
throughout. Ruling shall be as required in terms of 5.7.1. The first leaf (or in the case of hard cover books, the 
first one that is not an end-leaf) shall be of ruled writ ing paper. The two centre leaves in a soft-cover book 
shall be of drawing paper. In the case of section-sewn  hard-cover books, the two centre leaves of alternate 
sections shall be of writing paper and those of the remaining sections shall be of drawing paper. 
6.7 Music books 
The writing paper of music books shall be ruled, at right angles to the binding edge, in staves, each formed by five lines spaced 2.2 mm ± 0.1 mm apart. The distance be tween the first line of the first stave and the upper 
edge of a page shall be at least 20 mm and at most 30 mm, and the distance between the last line of the 
lowest stave and the lower edge of the page shall be at least 15 mm and at most 25 mm. Books of format A4 
shall contain 12 staves per page, and books of format A 5L shall contain six staves per page. In both cases, 
the distance between consecutive stav es shall be uniform to within 1 mm. Unruled left-hand and right-hand 
margins shall be provided on each page, and their widths , determined in accordance with 9.3.4.7.1 (b), shall 
be at least 8 mm and at most 15 mm. The colour of the ruled lines shall be grey to black. 
6.8 Theme books 
In theme books, sheets of writing paper (ruled on both  sides), interleaving paper and drawing paper shall be 
interleaved with one another in that order, the first and last leaves of a book being of writing paper. The ruling 
shall be as required in terms of 5.7.1. 
6.9 Mapping books 
When border lines are required in terms of 5.7.1, each edge of each page shall have a border line. Each 
border line shall consist of either one bold line or two closely spaced lines, ruled parallel to, and at least 15 
mm and at most 20 mm from, the adjacent edge of the paper. US 820: 2008 
18 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 6.10 Examination answer books 
6.10.1 Internal examination books 
6.10.1.1 Perforations 
Each leaf shall be perforated for tear-out purposes. T he line of perforations shall be parallel to, and located at 
most 11 mm from, the binding edge. Perforation cuts shall have penetrated the paper completely, shall be 
uniform over the entire length of the perforation line and,  when tested in accordance with 9.5.11, shall be such 
as to permit a clean tear along the line of perforations. 
6.10.1.2 Ruling 
Each page shall have feint ruling, and shall be with or wi thout a left-hand margin line (see 5.7.4.1) as specified 
by the purchaser (see A.1 (e) of annex A). 
6.10.2 External examination books 
The ruling shall be of one of the following types, as specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (e) of annex A): 
a) feint with left-hand and right-hand margin lines, and on both sides of each leaf or on the right-hand 
pages only; 
b) double-column ledger; 
c) treble-column cash; 
d) journal; 
e) six-column analysis; eight-column cash journal; 
f) eight-column creditor's journal; or  
g) eight-column accounting journal. 
In the cases of (b), (c), (d), (e),  (f), (g) and (h) above, the ruling shall be on both sides of each leaf and shall be 
as specified in 6.2. The back cove r shall extend beyond the front edge of the book for a distance in the range 
85 mm to 95 mm. The extension shall be folded back in to the book between the last page and the back cover, 
along a crease line that is parallel to, and within 3 mm of, the front edge of the book (see FIgure 8). The top 
and bottom edges of the cover shall have been trimmed flush with the writing paper to within 1 mm, and the 
front edge of the front cover shall have been trimmed flush with the writing paper to within 3 mm. The colour of 
the cover material shall be as specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (g) of Annex A) in terms of 4.4.1. 
6.11 Index books 
6.11.1 Fully indexed 
In books that are fully indexed, the pages shall be divi ded into 26 sets, each covering a different letter of the 
alphabet, given in the correct sequence, with the set covering the letter A uppermost. The letters shall be 
given in San serif capitals of height at least 5 mm, on the first page only of each set, and shall be so positioned that they are not obscured by the pages of t he preceding sets. All the letters shall be visible when 
the front cover of the book is opened. This shall be achieved by means of cut-outs,  of width in the range 10 
mm to 14 mm, along the front edges of the leaves of the book. In the case of 96-page books, the sets for the letters I, Q, U, X, Y and Z shall each consist of two page s (that is, one leaf), and the sets for the other letters 
shall each consist of at least four pa ges (two leaves). In the case of 192-p age books, the sets for the letters Q, 
U, X, Y and Z shall each consist of four pages, and the sets for the other letters shall each consist of at least 
eight pages. The ruling shall be as required in terms of 5.7.1. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  19
 6.11.2 Partly indexed 
In partly indexed books, letters of the alphabet shall be printed, two per leaf, with one letter positioned above 
the other, and with each subsequent pair of letters printed on subsequent leaves. Unless otherwise specified 
by the purchaser (see A.1 (h) of Annex A), all letter s of the alphabet shall be in cluded. The type, position, 
height and visibility of letters shall comply with the r equirements given in 6.11.1. Leaves not indexed shall not 
have cut-outs. The ruling of all pages shall be as required in terms of 5.7.1 and, unless otherwise specified by 
the purchaser (see A.1 (h) of Annex A), all pages wit hout cut-outs shall be consecutively numbered (from 1 
onwards) in the top left-hand or right-hand corner, away from the spine, as applicable. The numbers shall be 
of height at least 4 mm. 
7 Specific requirements for ruled sheets of paper 
7.1 Type   
Ruled sheets shall be of one of the following types, as  specified by the purchaser  (see A.2 (a) of annex A): 
a) general purpose (with appropriate ruling); 
b) accountancy; or 
c) graph. 
7.2 Material 
7.2.1 Minimum requirements 
The ruled sheets shall be of Grade B or Grade C writing paper (see 4.1 and Table 1), as specified by the 
purchaser (see A.2 (a) of Annex A). 
7.2.2 Allowance of better than minimum requirements 
Manufacturers may, at their discretion, use chemical  paper where mechanical paper is required, and may use 
a higher grammage than the minimum grammage requi red, provided that only one grade and one grammage 
are used in the manufacture of the sheets in any one lot. 
7.3 Dimensions 
Ruled sheets shall be of format A4 or A4 fly (that is, A 3L folded to A4), as specified by the purchaser (see A.2 
(c) of Annex A), and their dimensions shall comply with the relevant values given in Table 3, except that the 
eight-column accounting journal, eight-column cash j ournal, and eight-column creditor's journal shall be of 
format A4 fly. 
7.4 Collating of fly sheets 
Size A3L sheets shall be collated into aggregates of  eight sheets each, and each aggregate shall be folded to 
size A4 fly. 
7.5 Ruling 
7.5.1  Ruling shall be on both sides of the paper and the ty pe of ruling shall be one of the types described in 
7.5.2 to 7.5.4. US 820: 2008 
20 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 7.5.2  The ruling for general purpose sheets shall be feint, Irish, wide, or quad, as described in 5.7.2, and 
with or without a left-hand margin line (see 5.7.4.1), as sp ecified in both cases by the purchaser (see A.2 (c) of 
Annex A). 
7.5.3  The ruling for accountancy sheets shall be double-column ledger, treble-column cash book, journal, 
six-column analysis, eight-column cash journal, eight-column creditor's journal or eight-column accounting 
journal, as described in 6.2 and as specified by the purchaser (see A.2 (a) of Annex A).  
7.5.4  Graph ruling for graph sheets shall be as specified in 6.3.2 on one side, and the reverse side shall be 
ruled feint and shall have a left-hand margin line as in 6.3.3. The width of the filing margin (longer edge, left-
hand side) on the side ruled for graphs shall be at least 30 mm, and that of the remaining margins on that side 
shall each be at least 15 mm. 
8 Sampling and compliance with the specification  
8.1 Sampling 
8.1.1 General 
The sampling procedure below shall be applied when determining whether a lot complies with the relevant requirements of the specification. The samples so taken shall be deemed to represent the lot for the 
respective purposes. 
8.1.2 Sample for inspection of packing and marking 
8.1.2.1 Corrugated board boxes 
If the packets are supplied in corrugated board boxes, from the lot draw at random the number of units (that is, 
boxes) given in Table 1 of US ISO 186, relative to the app ropriate lot size in the same  table. After checking for 
compliance with the relevant requirements of Clau se 7, from each box so drawn, take one packet. 
8.1.2.2 Packets 
In the case of packets of books or  packets of paper not supplied in boxes, after checking for compliance with 
the appropriate requirements of clause 7 (other than for the number of sheets per packet), from the lot draw at 
random the number of units (that is, packets) given in Table 1 of US ISO 186, relative to the appropriate lot size given in the same table. 
8.1.3 Sample for inspection of books and packets of paper  
8.1.3.1 Books 
Obtain a sample of at least 20 books by taking at rand om from each packet drawn in accordance with 8.1.2.1 
or 8.1.2.2 (as relevant), an approximately equal number of books. 
8.1.3.2 Packets of paper  
From the packets of paper drawn in accordance with 8.1. 2.1 or 8.1.2.2 (as relevant),  after using the procedure 
given in 9.4.1 to check for compliance with the requ irement for the number of sheets per packet, obtain a 
sample of 20 sheets by taking at random an approx imately equal number of sheets from each packet. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  21
 8.1.4 Sample for testing  
8.1.4.1 Books  
After inspection in accordance with 9.3 of the books draw n in accordance with 8.1.3.1, take from them at 
random, 
a) in the case of hard-cover books, 10 b ooks for the tests given in 9.5.4 and 9.5.5. 
b) in the case of soft-cover books, the covers fr om at least 10 books for the test given in 9.5.3. 
c) in all cases, from at least 10 books, as many pages of writing, drawing and interleaving paper, as 
relevant, and covers, as are required for the re mainder of the applicable tests given in 9.5. 
8.1.4.2 Sheets 
After inspection in accordance with 9.4 of the sheets dr awn in accordance with 8.1. 3.2, take from them at 
random as many sheets as are required for the applicable tests given in 9.5. 
8.2 Compliance with the specification  
8.2.1 Books  
The lot shall be deemed to comply with the relevant requirements of the specification if, 
a) on inspection, as described in 9.1 and 9.3.1, of  each unit in the samples drawn in accordance with 
8.1.2 and 8.1.3, no defective is found. 
b) on determination of the number of  pages, as described in 9.3.2, a nd on measurement, as described in 
9.3.3, 9.3.4.6, 9.3.4.7.2, and 9. 3.5 to 9.3.11, as relevant, of each book in the sample drawn in 
accordance with 8.1.3.1, no defective is found. 
c) on measurement, as described in 9.3.4.1 to 9.3.4.5, as relevant, of each book in the sample drawn in 
accordance with 8.1.4.1, at mo st one defective is found in resp ect of anyone relevant dimension. 
d) on testing, as described in 9.5.1 to  9.5.10, as relevant, of the samples  drawn in accordance with 
8.1.4.1, no defective is found. 
8.2.2 Sheets 
The lot shall be deemed to comply with the relevant requirements of the specification if, 
a) on inspection, as described in 9.1, 9.4.1 and 9.4.2, of each unit in the samples drawn in accordance 
with 8.1.2 and 8.1.3, no defective is found. 
b) on measurement, as described in 9.4.3, of each sheet in the sample drawn in accordance with 
8.1.2.2, no defective is found. 
c) on measurement, as described in 9.4.4, of the samp le drawn in accordance wi th 8.1.3.2, at most one 
defective is found in respect of any one relevant dimension. 
d) on testing, as described in 9.5.1 and 9.5.7 to 9.5.10 of the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.4.2, 
no defective is found. US 820: 2008 
22 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 9 Inspection, conditioning and methods of test  
9.1 Inspection of packing and marking 
Inspect all the packets and, when relevant, all the corru gated board boxes taken in accordance with 8.1.2, for 
compliance with the requirements of 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, as applicable. 
9.2 Conditioning 
Condition and test the test pieces in an atmospher e maintained in accordance with US ISO 187 at a 
temperature of 23°C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity of (50 ± 2) %. 
9.3 Inspection of books 
9.3.1 Examination 
Visually examine each book taken in accordance with 8.1.3.1 for compliance with those relevant requirements 
of Clauses 4, 5 and 6, compliance with which is not a ssessed by the inspections and tests given in 9.3.2 to 
9.3.11 and 9.5. 
9.3.2 Number of pages 
Count the number of pages (when relevant, of each type separately) in at least 10 books taken at random 
from the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1. 3.1, and report the average for each type of page. 
9.3.3 Dimensions of books 
9.3.3.1 General 
Measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the wi dth and height of each of at leas t 10 books taken at random from the 
sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1. Take the measurements as described in 9.3.3.2 to 9.3.3.4, as 
relevant, and report the average for each dimension. 
9.3.3.2 Wire-bound books 
Open the book flat at any page chosen at random. Take the distance between the left-hand and right-hand 
edges of the page as the width of the book, and take the distance between the top (bound) and bottom edges 
of the page as the height of the book.   
9.3.3.3 External examination books 
Disregard or discard the cover, and measure, as in 9. 3.3.4.1 and 9.3.3.4.2 respec tively, the height and the 
width of the stapled writing paper only. 
9.3.3.4 All other books  
9.3.3.4.1  Take the distance between the top and bottom edges of the book as the height. 
9.3.3.4.2  With the spine of the book placed squarely on a flat hor izontal surface and the book held vertically, take the 
distance between the flat surface and t he front edge of the book as its width. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  23
 9.3.4 Ruling 
9.3.4.1 General 
Measure, using the appropriat e of the procedures given in 9.3.4.2 to 9.3.4.8, the ruling of at least five books 
taken at random from the sample drawn in accordance wi th 8.1.3.1, and report the i ndividual results, except 
where otherwise indicated. 
9.3.4.2 Ruling of a type as specified in Table 5 
9.3.4.2.1 All types of ruling 
Proceed as follows: 
a) on any page in each book, take, to the nearest 0. 25 mm, five measurements of the distance between 
the centres of any six consecutive horizontal lines; and 
b) on any page in each book, measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the distance between the centres of the top 
and bottom lines. For each book, calculate and report  to the nearest 0.1 mm, the average distance 
between consecutive horizontal lines. 
9.3.4.2.2 Additional requirements for quad ruling 
Proceed as follows: 
a) determine and report the distance between the ce ntres of any six consecutive vertical lines, as 
described in 9.3.4.2.1 (a) for horizontal lines; and 
b) determine and report for each book the average di stance between the consecutive vertical lines, as 
described in 9.3.4.2.1 (b) for horizontal lines. 
9.3.4.3 Ruling of accountancy books 
9.3.4.3.1 Vertical component 
On any two pages in each book, measure, to the near est 0.5 mm, the distance bet ween the centres of all 
adjacent pairs (other than closely spaced double lines) of vertical lines.   
9.3.4.3.2 Horizontal component 
Use the procedures given in 9.3.4.2. 1 (a) and (b) to measure and report the individual and average distances 
between the horizontal lines used for making entries. 
9.3.4.4 Ruling of graph books 
9.3.4.4.1 Pages ruled for writing  
Proceed as in 9.3.4.2.1. 
9.3.4.4.2 Pages ruled for graphs 
Proceed as follows: 
a) on any page in each book, take, to the nearest 0.1 mm, five measurements (both horizontally and 
vertically) of the distance between the centres of any adjacent pairs of lines; and US 820: 2008 
24 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 b) on any page in each book, measure (both horizontally and vertically), to the nearest 1 mm, the 
distance between the centres of the two outermost lines. For each book calculate and report, to the 
nearest 0.01 mm, the average distan ce between consecutive lines (both horizontal and vertical). 
9.3.4.5 Ruling of biology and nature study books,  theme books, examination answer books and index 
books 
Proceed as in 9.3.4.2.1. 
9.3.4.6 Ruling of music books 
Proceed as follows: 
a) on any two pages in each book, measure, to the nearest 0.1 mm, the distance  between the centres of 
adjacent lines of any one stave. 
b) on any page in each book, measure, to the nearest 0.5 mm the distance bet ween the centres of the 
two lines closest to each other in every adjacent pair of staves. 
9.3.4.7 Margins  
9.3.4.7.1 Side margins 
Proceed as follows: 
a) except in the case of side margins of music books, on any two pages in each book, measure, to the 
nearest 1 mm, the distance between the centre of each side-margin line and the adjacent edge of the 
page, or in the case of margins adjacent to the binding edge, the folded edge of the previous or the 
following page, as applicable; 
b) in the case of side margins of music books, dr aw tangents to the left-hand and right-hand ends of the 
staves and then measure the width of the margins as above; and 
c) in all cases, report the average value for left-hand and right-hand margins, as relevant. 
9.3.4.7.2 Top and bottom margins 
On any two pages in each book, measure, to the neares t 1 mm, the distance between the centre of the top 
and bottom lines and the top and bottom edges of the page,  respectively. Report the average value for each 
margin separately. 
9.3.4.8 Shorthand notebooks 
9.3.4.8.1 Feint ruling 
Proceed as in 9.3.4.2.1. 
9.3.4.8.2 Dividing line 
On any two pages in each book, measure, to the n earest 1 mm, the distances between the dividing line and 
the left-hand and right-hand edges of the book. For each of  the pages, take half of the difference between the 
two measurements as the distance between the imagina ry centre-line and the dividing line. Calculate and 
report the average of  these distances. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  25
 9.3.5 Staple binding 
9.3.5.1 Placement and dimensions, excluding diameter, of staples 
In at least 10 books taken at random from the sample  drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the 
nearest 1 mm, 
a) the distances between the top and bottom edges of the book and the adjacent end of the staples 
closest to the top and bottom respectively. 
b) the length of crown of a ll the staples in the books. 
c) the length of the clinch ed ends of all the staples. 
Report the average value of the distances described in  (a) above, separately for each set of staples in a 
particular position, the average crown length of all the staples in the 10 books and the average value for each 
individual set of clinched ends in a particular position, that is, for each set of staples in a particular position 
there shall be one average value for ea ch of the two clinched end positions. 
9.3.5.2 Diameter of staples 
Measure, to the nearest 0.01 mm, t he diameter of at least one staple in  each book and report the average 
value. 
9.3.6 Binding of hard-cover books  
In at least 10 books taken at random from the sample  drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the 
nearest 1 mm, the width of the gap between each cove r board and the spine, and the overlap between the 
spine-reinforcing material and cover boards. Report the average value in each case. 
9.3.7 Binding of wire-bound books (shorthand notebooks) 
9.3.7.1 General 
Take at least 10 books at random from the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, and proceed as 
prescribed in 9.3.7.2 and 9.3.7.3. 
9.3.7.2 Binding holes 
Measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the di stances between the binding edge of each of the two covers, and of each 
of any two leaves, to the closest point on the edges of any two binding holes in these covers or leaves. Report 
the average for all the covers measured, and the average for all the leaves measured. 
9.3.7.3 Diameter of binding wire 
Measure, to the nearest 0.01 mm, the diameter of the binding wire of each book. Report the average . 
9.3.8 Position of perforations in internal examination books 
On any two pages in each of at least five books taken at random from the books drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the distance between the centre of the line of perforations and the 
adjacent folded edge of the same page or of the prev ious or following pages, as relevant, and report the 
average value. US 820: 2008 
26 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 9.3.9 Size of letters and cut-outs in index books 
In at least five books taken at random from the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the 
nearest 0.5 mm, the height of at least four letters selected at random and report the average value. In the 
same books, measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the distan ce between the recessed edge and front edge of each 
leaf, and report the average value. 
9.3.10 Length of extension of back cover of external examination books 
In at least 10 books taken at random from the sample  drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the 
nearest 1 mm, the distance from the crease line to the edge of the extension, and report the average value. 
9.3.11 Flushness of covers 
On each of the three free edges of the covers of at le ast five books taken at random from the sample drawn in 
accordance with 8.1.3.1, measure, to the nearest 1 mm, the maximu m distance that the cover extends beyond 
the pages of the book, or vice versa. Report the average value for each individual edge.   
9.4 Inspection of sheets of paper 
9.4.1 Number of sheets per packet 
In at least five packets, count the number of sheets or , when relevant, the number of aggregates of collated 
sheets. In the latter case, also count the number of fly sheets in at least two collated aggregates in each ream. 
Report the average value for each quantity. 
9.4.2 Examination 
Visually examine each sheet taken in accordance with  8.1.3.2 for compliance with  the relevant requirements 
of 4.1 and 7.4. Report the results of the examination in respect of each requirement. 
9.4.3 Dimensions of sheets 
On at least 10 sheets taken at random from the sample  drawn in accordance with 8.1.3.2, measure, to the 
nearest 1 mm, the length and width of the sheets in the case of A4 sheets or , in the case of A4 fly sheets, 
measure the folded left-hand and right-hand leaves of every fly sheet, and report the average for each 
dimension 
9.4.4 Ruling 
Measure the ruling on both side s of at least five sheets taken at random from the sample drawn in accordance 
with 8.1.3.2. Use the procedures applicable to t he specific type of ruling as given in 9.3.4. 
9.5 Testing of materials and performance of books  
9.5.1 Grammage 
Use the method given in US ISO 536 to determine the average grammage of 20 test pieces, each of area at 
least 0.010 m2, prepared from the sample drawn in  accordance with 8.1.4.1 (c). 
9.5.2 Apparent bulk density of cover board 
Use the method given in US ISO 534 by using an instrument that ex erts 100 kPa of anvil pressure, to 
determine the average value of the apparent bulk density of 20 test pieces prepared from the sample drawn in 
accordance with 8.1.4.1 (a). US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  27
 9.5.3 Resistance to internal tearing 
Use the method given in US ISO 1974 and the single-tear  tester, to determine the average resistance to 
internal tearing of 10 test specimens prepared from  the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.4.1 (b).   
9.5.4 Quality of sewing threads, spine-reinfo rcing materials, binding tapes and adhesives 
9.5.4.1 Apparatus 
A machine that consists essentially of the following: 
a) means whereby the front cover of a hard-cover book can be so secured that the book can be opened 
and closed through any desired angle up to 180°, at a rate of (40 ± 4) cycles per minute, starting from 
an angle of ± 10° to the vertical, while the rest of t he book is lying on a horizontal rectangular platform 
with the spine of the book parallel to and close to one edge of the platform (the spine-edge); 
b) two low-friction, low-inertia pulleys, with their axes coinciding, and parallel to the spine-edge of the 
platform, so positioned near to the edge opposite to the spine-edge, that the plane of the platform is 
tangential to the base of the groov es at the top of the pulleys; 
c) two mass pieces. each of a mass of 100 g; and  
d) a suitable horizontal support for the mass pieces.  
9.5.4.2 Test specimens 
Use the books taken in accordance with 8.1.4.1 (a). 
9.5.4.3 Procedure 
9.5.4.3.1 Section-sewn books (see 5. 8.3.2.1, 5.8.3.3. 1 and 5.8.3.3.2) 
Proceed as follows: 
a) secure the book on the apparat us [see 9.5.4.1 (a)] and so adjust the mechanism that the maximum 
angle to which the book will open is 180°; 
b) adjust the front cover to within ± 10° of the 900 open position and attach the first leaf of the centre 
pages of the first section to the fr ont cover by means of a single piece of adhesive tape applied to the 
middle of the front edges of the leaf and cover. By using suitable lengths of string and adhesive tape, 
so attach the two mass pieces to the second leaf of  the centre pages of the first section that, when the 
strings are passed over the pulleys, the masspieces are just in contact with the horizontal support. 
The strings shall be positioned to align with the midpoin ts of the stitches closest to the top and bottom 
edges respectively; 
c) start the machine and, after 1 000 cycles, stop it and examine the book for compliance with the 
requirements of 4.6 and 5.8.3.4(a), paying particular attention to the areas where the thread passes 
through the leaves; and 
d) repeat (b) and (c) above on t he centre pages of any one section (chosen at random) in each of the 
remaining test  specimens 
9.5.4.3.2 Adhesive-bound books (see 5.8.3.2.2)  
Use the procedure given in 9.5. 4.3.1, but with anyone of the first thre e leaves and one other leaf (both chosen 
at random) attached to the front cover. Check for cracki ng or splitting of the spine, especially between leaves. US 820: 2008 
28 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 9.5.5 Quality of binding  
9.5.5.1 Apparatus  
A pentagonal drum that has a depth of 50 mm and that is rotated, at a rate of 12 r.p.m ± 1 r.p.m. about a 
horizontal axis through its centre of gravity and parallel to its depth. The internal surfaces of the drum are 
smooth, the internal length of each side of the dr um is 600 mm ± 20 mm, and the angles between the 
consecutive sides are 90°, 132°, 90°, 114° and 114° respectively, each subject to a tolerance of ± 20. 
9.5.5.2 Test specimens 
Use the same books as were used in the test given in 9.5.4. 
9.5.5.3 Procedure 
Insert the book under test into a drum and rotate th e drum. After 25 revolutions, stop the drum, remove the 
book and examine it for compliance with the requirement s of 4.6 and 5.8.3.4 (b). Repeat the test on each of 
the remaining test specimens. 
9.5.6 Fibre composition  
Use the method given in ISO 9184-3 to determine the pe rcentage of mechanically processed wood fibres, if 
any, in paper. 
9.5.7 Brightness of paper 
Use the method given in US ISO 2470 to determine the average brightness of 10 test pieces prepared from 
the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.4, as relevant. 
9.5.8 Brightness of paper after aging 
Use the method given in 9.5.7 on 10 test pieces that have been exposed to xenon light for a period of 10 h. 
9.5.9 Opacity of paper 
Use the method given in US ISO 2471 to determine the average opacity of 10 test pieces prepared from the sample drawn in accordance with 8.1.4, as relevant. 
9.5.10 Bursting strength 
Use the method given in US ISO 2758 to determine the av erage bursting strength of 20 test pieces prepared 
from the sample drawn in accor dance with 8.1.4, as relevant.   
9.5.11 Performance of perforations in internal examination books 
In at least five books taken at random from the books drawn in accordance with 8.1. 3.1, test the perforations 
as below. 
Place the book open on a flat horizontal surface. With the thumb and forefinger of the left hand adjacent to, 
and on the left-hand side of, any right-hand leaf in the first half of each book, and with the forefinger at the top 
of the leaf, press the book down on the surface. With the right hand take the right-hand end of the top of the 
leaf. Exert a steady pull at an angle of about 10° downwa rds from the top edge and tear the leaf along the line 
of perforations down to the thumb of the left hand. Move the hands downwards on the page to the same 
position relative to the end of the tear, as they were in itially to the beginning of t he tear, and continue the tear. 
Repeat this procedure until the leaf is torn through. Consider the line of perforations to be defective if there is 
any deviation of the line of tear from the line of perf orations. Repeat the procedure on any right-hand leaf in 
the second half of the book. Report  the number of defectives, if any. US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  29
 10 Packing and marking   
10.1 Packing  
10.1.1 Packets 
Books and ruled sheets of paper shall be suitably wrapped in packets, each containing quantities in 
accordance with commercial practice, or when relevant, the quantity specified by t he purchaser (see A.1 (i) or 
A.2 (d), as applicable, of Annex A). 
10.1.2 Bulk containers 
When so specified by the purchaser, packets of books or packets of sheets of pape r shall further be packed 
into acceptable corrugated containers, each containing quantities in accordance with commercial practice or, 
when relevant, the quantity specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (j) or A.2 (e ), as applicable, of Annex A). Only 
nominally identical books shall be packed together in a bulk container, and only packets of nominally identical 
ruled sheets of paper shall be packe d together in a bulk container. 
10.2 Marking of packed books 
10.2.1 Packets 
Each packet of books shall bear the following in formation in legible and durable marking:  
a) the name or trade mark of the manufacturer, or both; 
b) the type of book (for example, gener al-exercise, scribbling books, etc.); 
c) the format of the books;  
d) the number of pages per book; 
e) the type of ruling; 
f) when relevant, whether or not ruling incorporates a margin, a border or a dividing line (as applicable); 
g) the number of books per packet; and 
h) any additional information specified by the purchaser (see A.1 (k) of Annex A). 
10.2.2 Bulk containers 
Each bulk container shall bear, in legible and durable marking, the information specified in 10.2.1 (a) to 10.2.1 (f), the total number of books in the container, and any  additional information specified by the purchaser (see 
A.1 (k) of Annex A). 
10.3 Marking of packets of ruled sheets of paper 
10.3.1 Packets 
Each packet of ruled sheets of paper shall bear the following information in legible and durable marking: 
a) the name or trade mark of the manufacturer, or both; 
b) the type of ruling; US 820: 2008 
30 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 c) when relevant, whether or not the ruling incorporates a margin line; 
d) the type of sheet, that is, single or fly (double); 
e) the number of sheets per packet; and 
f) any additional information specified by the purchaser (see A.2 (f) of Annex A). 
NOTE Only when a packet of paper contains 500 sheets (or fly sheets) of paper, may it be referred to as a ream. A 
packet that contains any other number of sheets, e.g. 480 sheets (or fly sheets) of paper should not be referred to as a 
ream. 
10.3.2 Bulk containers 
Each bulk container shall bear, in legible and durable marking, the information specified in 10.3.1(a) to 10.3.1 
(e), the total number of packets of paper in the cont ainer, and any additional information specified by the 
purchaser (see A.2(f) of Annex A). US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  31
 Annex A 
(normative) 
 
Notes to purchasers 
A.1 Books 
The requirements below shall be specified in tender invitations and in each order or contract. 
a) the type of book (see 5.1 and Table 4); 
b) when relevant, the format (see 5.3 and Table 4); 
c) in the case of external exam ination books, and when relevant, the nominal number of pages (see 5.4 
and table 4); 
d) when relevant, the grade of paper (see 5.5 and Table 4); 
e) when and as relevant, the type of ruling, whether or not a margin or dividing line is required and 
whether all pages or only alternate pages are to be ruled (see 5.7.1, 6.10 and Table 4); 
f) when relevant, details of the printing required (see 5.9); 
g) in the case of books for external examinations , the colour of the cover material (see 6.10.2); 
h) in the case of partly indexed books, and when and as  relevant, that letters are to be omitted from the 
indexed pages and that the other pages are not to be numbered (see 6.11.2); 
i) when relevant, the number of books per packet (see 10.1.1); 
j) when and as relevant, that the books are to be packed into corrugated containers and the number of 
packets per container (see 10.1.2); and 
k) any additional information to be marked on pa ckets and corrugated containers (see 10.2.1 (h) and 
10.2.2). 
A.2 Sheets 
The requirements below shall be specified in tender invitations and in each order or contract. 
a) the type of ruling on sheets (see 7.1 and 7.5); 
b) the grade of paper (see 7.2); 
c) when relevant, the format (see 7.3) and whet her a left-hand margin is required (see 7.5.2); 
d) when relevant, the number of  sheets per packet (see 10.1.1); 
NOTE Only when a packet of paper contains 500 sheets (or fly sheets) of paper may it be referred to as a ream. A 
packet that contains any other number of sheets, e.g. 480 sheets (or fly sheets) of  paper, should not be referred to as 
a ream. US 820: 2008 
32 © UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved
 e) when and as relevant, that packets of sheets  of paper are to be packed into corrugated board 
containers and the number of packets of  paper per container (see 10.1.2); and 
f) any additional information to be marked on packets  of paper and corrugated board containers [see 
10.3.1 (f)]. 
 US 820: 2008 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved  33
 Certification marking 
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be  marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is gove rned by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licens ed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in co njunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and  testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National  Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of  licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 US 820: 2008 
 
ICS nn.nnn.nn 
Price based on 40 pages 
© UNBS 2008 – All rights reserved