Digital Printing Process
Control Certification
Owing to technological innovation in digital printers and their spreading in the market, there is a rising demand for digital printing certification. In order to contribute to the printing industry as a whole by promoting standardization and facilitating the further spread of digitalprinting, Digital Printing Process Control Certification was created as a part of Japan Color Certification System. It is ISO/TS 15311-1
compliant.

OutlineApplication procedure

Major items examined in Digital Printing Process Control Certification are as follows.
Color measurement
and confirmation positions※1

Item

Preflight
inspections

Preflight results

Preflight results per
JC_TEST_FORM 5_Ver1

9 rocations each in 3 typesof charts in JC_TEST_FORM 4_Ver2(3 types of gray)54 patches of ISO12642-2(1617 patches) and 22
All 54 patches
patches of 19 tones
6 patches for gray 6 patches for graybalance colorimetry among
Tolerance between balance colorimetry 22 patches in 19 tones

Large area uniformity

the standard
value andmeasured value

Basis ofjudgment

Criteria※2

Indicate all errors,
warnings, and information.
Indicate responses
by the applying printer for
warning items.

Confirmation
by JPMA

ΔE00 ≦ 2

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Average ΔE00 ≦ 2
Maximum ΔE00 ≦ 6

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Average ΔCh ≦ 2.0

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Average ΔE00 ≦ 2
95% ΔE00 ≦4

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Average ΔE00 ≦ 3

Measuredvalue
by JPMAAll 1617 patches

All 1617 patches of ISO
12642-2

Outer gamut patches

226 patches of ISO
12642-2

Substrate white

Substrate white(CMYK:0,0,0,0) of ISO 12642-2

ΔE00≦3

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Deviation
Tolerance

Color difference between
each of 15patches randomly
sampled from 500 sheets
and their average

Japan Color control
strip (54 patches)

Average ΔE00 ≦ 1
95% ΔE00 ≦ 3

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Tolerance fordifference from thereference value on
all printed samples

Average color
difference between thereference value andthe average of randomly
sampled 15 sheets

Japan Color control
strip (54 patches)

Average ΔE00 ≦ 3.0

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Tone reproduction

Reproduction of
the minimum dots tone
on a solid tone

5% dots on a yellow
solid tone

Whether the distinction between
the yellow solid tone and the tonesof circles can be confirmed

Confirmed
by JPMA

Tone jump

All C, M, Y,
and K gradation circles

Whether no significant discontinuity
in gradation is foundConfirmed
by JPMA

Image register and fonts

C, M, and K positive ,Japanese font of 5 point size
C, M, and K negative(reverse),
Japanese font of 8 point sizeb* value for Y
substrate white < 3% tone,
C* value for Y 98% tone < solid tone

Whether they are distinguishable

single digital printing press under application that is
subject to the audit.

Application procedure
Applying
organization1

Preparation
before application

Applying
organization

2

Submission of
application forms

JPMA

3

Application
form review

Applying
organization

4

Confirmation of color difference between colorimeterof applying organization and that of JPMA

Applying
organization

5

Application forthe preliminary review

JPMA

6

Preliminary review

Applying
organization

7

Application
for the audit

JPMA

8

Audit

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Confirmed
by JPMA

Confirmed
by JPMA

0.5 point reverse line in C, M, and K

If printing standards are included in terms oftransactions with customers, clients, etc. or
tender conditions, a certification lets its holder
conduct transactions advantageously.

Promoting company-wide standardization
enables improving skills of employees.

Reapplication
permitted
only once(for free)
Reapplication
permitted
only once(with fee)

* “5. Application for the preliminary review” includes preflight inspections.

■ The validity period for Digital Printing Process
Control Certification is 2 years. If a certification
holder fails to pass the biennial renewal audit, thecertification will be revoked.

*1: Found in JC_TEST_FORM 6_Ver1 unless otherwise specified.
*2: Comparison with certification reference L*a*b* values unless otherwise
specified.
* CIEDE2000 (denoted as ΔE00 in documents, etc.) is adopted as thedefinition of color difference instead of CIE 1976(L*a*b*)

Obtaining an ISO compliant certification lets its holder
demonstrate a high ability to create print product andprinting proofs not only to potential Japanese customers but also to potential customers abroad
Enhancement ofa corporate image

Benefit forbusinesstransactions

the reinforcementofcorporate structure

Skill improvement

Japan
Color
Certification System

Re-certification

Benefits of the Japan Color Certification System
Its various benefits leading to improvements
in quality and productivity lead tothe reinforcement of corporate structure.

Can beresubmitted
until passing
the audit

Certification

L* value for C, M, and K
substrate white > 3% tone,
98% tone > solid tone

Central positions on eachline in the three color registration test
Whether no color registration
patterns on the upper left, the center,is displaced (by one line)
and the lower right of the test form sheet■ While certification is conducted for each factory, it is a

9 registration

Substrate white, 3% tones ,98% tones, and solid tones ofC, M, Y, and K, of 22 patches
in 19 tones

Tone value
reproduction limits

Applying organization

For Stable Printing Quality
and Improved Productivity

Standardization enables creating printed matters of
stable quality speedily
Stability ofprinting quality

Cost reduction

Printing in accordance with standard printing
conditions reduces waste sheets and the amount of
ink used, leading to improved productivity andrealizing cost reduction.

What Japan Color Certification System Is
The Japan Color Certification System complies with ISO
international standards and provides certification based onJapan Color, which is the canonical standard for printing color
in sheet-fed offset printing in Japan. Japan Color Certification
System is composed of “Offset Process Control Certification,”“Color Matching Accuracy Certification,” “Proofing System
Certification,” and “Proofing Process Management Certification.” Furthermore, Digital Printing Process Control Certification was newly added in May, 2017.
The good or bad of printed matter has traditionally been
determined on the basis of how it looks, and printed matter has
been created in the absence of clear standard. In most cases,
printing companies respond to demands for color reproduction
by clients, designers, etc. by repeated revisions and reprinting. The lack of canonical standard for the creation of printed
matter and a certifying organization has been a major cause
for such a situation.
Thus, in order to facilitate the spreading of Japan Colorand facilitate standardization of printing for reducing
unnecessary revisions and reprinting and other relevant
purposes, the Japan Color Certification System wasestablished, being conducted by a fair third party organization.

Offset Process Control Certification
Target: Printing companies

Offset Process Control Certification certifies a process control ability to create
printed matter of stable quality through the maintenance, numerical value
management, etc. of printing machinery.

Color Matching Accuracy Certification

Target: Printing companies (with Offset Process Control Certification)

On the precondition that the applicant has obtained Offset Process Control
Certification, Color Matching Accuracy Certification certifies mainly an ability tomatch colors in printed matter to reference values within tolerance by using
advanced color management technologies.

Proofing System Certification

Target: Proofing system manufacturers vendors etc.

Proofing System Certification certifies a proofing system that can output highly
reliable printing proofs stably.

Proofing Process Management Certification
Target: Design companies printing companies etc.

Proofing Process Management Certification certifies mainly ability for stably
outputting highly reliable printing proofs (sample outputs) that can be used forprinting by correctly maintaining and properly operating individual proofing
equipments in use.

Digital Printing Process Control Certification
Target: Printing companies

Japan Printing Machinery Association

Japan Color Certification Office

Kikai Shinko Kaikan Bldg., 3-5-8 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Phone: 03-6809-1617 Fax: 03-3434-0301

E-mail: jc@jpma-net.or.jp URL: http://japancolor.jp/
Created in July, 2018

“Digital Printing Certification”certifies operational capacity to create high-quality
printed matter stably through the maintenance, numerical value management, etc. of
digital printing machinery.

Certifies a process control ability that can creating
print product of stable quality.

Offset Process
Control Certification

Proofing System
Certification

Certifies a system that can output highly reliable
printing proofs stably.

OutlineApplication pr ocedur e

O ut l i ne

Offset Process Control Certification has following requirements for application.

Applying organization

Major items examined in Proofing System Certification are as follows.

■ Printing press

Any four (or more) color offset printing press supporting CTP plates. It does notmatter whether single- or double-sided printing is supported. Audit is conducted
on four single-sided printing.

■ Colorimeter

It must be able to obtain precise colorimetric values. It may be made by any
manufacturer and be of any type, etc.

■ CTP plate

CTP plates must be used. It does not matter whether a platesetter ispossessed.

■ Screen rulingA high definition screen or FM screen will do if its screen ruling is 175 lpi or
greater and dot gain is within the reference value of Offset Process Control
Certification (14±3%).

■ Ink

Ink must be conformed with Japan Color. Ink may be made by any manufacturer and be of any brand.

■ Print substrate

Print substrate must be conformed with Japan Color. Paper type is categorizedpremium coated (PS1;ISO 12647-2:2013) Paper may be made by any
manufacturer and be of any brand. Paper size must be kiku 4(469ｘ318mm) or
larger.

■ While certification is conducted for each factory, it is a single
printing press under application that is subject to the audit.

Application procedure1

Preparation
before application

2

Submission of
application forms

JPMA

3

Audit ofapplication forms

Applying
organizationof color difference between
4 Confirmation
colorimeter of applying organization and that of JPMA

Applying
organization

5

Application forthe preliminary review

JPMA

Applying
organization
Applying
organization

6

Preliminary review

Applying
organization

7

Application for
the audit

JPMA

8

Audit

9

Certification
registration“Japan Color 2007 Kit for Offset Printing” and “JIS X9201:2001”(SCID
image) must be purchased.

■

Can be resubmitted
until passing
the audit

Reapplication
permitted
only once (for free)
Reapplication
permitted
only once (with fee)based on Japan Color2011, the L*a*b value for the C, M, Y, and K solid tones on
an OK sheet must be within △E5 and the dot gain for 50% C, M, Y, and K toneson the OK sheet must be within 14±3%.
■ On 21 or greater sheets of 30 sheets sampled from 5,000 consecutively printed
sheets, the L*a*b value for the C, M, Y, and K solid tones must be within ΔE5 ofthat for the corresponding part on an OK sheet, and the dot gain for 50% C, M, Y,
and K tones must be within ±4% of that for the corresponding part on the OK sheet.

Color Matching
Accuracy Certification

Major items examined in Color Matching Accuracy Certification are as follows.
Item

Solid tones of chromatic
primary patches

Color measurement
and confirmation positions※1

Solid tones ofC, M, Y, and K of
ISO12642-2(1617 patches)

Gray patches with 3
tone value
Large area uniformity combinations placedin 9 locations(27 patches in total)

Tolerance between the
All patches ofstandard value andISO12642-2
the measured value

Tone jump

ΔE ≦ 5

Calculate a standard deviation foreach of 3 readings on the basis ofcolorimetric values.
For the L* value of each readingin 9 locations, SDL* ≦ 1.5
For the a* value of each readingin 9 locations, SDa* ≦ 1.5
For the b* value of each readingin 9 locations, SDb* ≦ 1.5
Average ΔE ≦ 3
95% ΔE ≦ 6

Basis ofjudgment

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Measuredvalue
by JPMAb* value for Y
substrate white < 3% tone,
C* value for Y
98% tone < solid tone

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

5% dots on a yellow
solid tone

Whether the distinction between
the yellow solid tone and the tonesof circles can be confirmed

All C, M, Y, and K
gradation circles

Whether no significant
discontinuity in gradation
is foundConfirmed
by JPMA

Confirmed
by JPMA

Solid tones of C, M, Y, and K of
ISO12642-2 (1617 patches)

ΔE ≦ 6Large area uniformity

9 rocations each on 3 types of chartsof JC_TEST_FORM 4_Ver1 (3 types of gray)Discoloration

6 CMYRGB patches of the Japan Colorcontrol strip (54 patches)

ΔE ≦ 2 For the L* values for all 9 points,
SDL* ≦ 0.5 For the a* values for all
9 points, SDa* ≦ 0.5For the b* values
for all 9 points, SDb* ≦ 0.5

Light fastness

6 CMYRGB patches of the Japan Colorcontrol strip (54 patches)

For all patches, after 24-hour exposure toa natural white fluorescent lamp for color
evaluation, ΔE ≦ 2

54 patches of ISO12642-2 and22 patches of 19 tones
6 patches for gray balance colorimetry
among 22 patches of 19 tones

Maximum ΔE ≦ 6
Average ΔE ≦ 3

226 patches of ISO12642-2

Average ΔE ≦ 4

All 1617 patches

All 1617 patches of ISO12642-2

Average ΔE ≦ 3
95% ΔE ≦ 6

Substrate white

Substrate white (CMYK:0,0,0,0) of ISO12642-2

ΔE ≦ 3

Consecutive output

54 patches (10 samples) of ISO12642-2
and 22 patches of 19 tones

For the average color difference on each of
10 printed samples between the averagevalue and the measured value for each of 54
patches, ΔE ≦ 1.5

Stability of the system

Solid tones of C,M,Y,R,G,B tones and 40% C,M,Y
tones in ISO12642-2

For all patches, in comparison with samples
printed 24 hours before, ΔE ≦ 1.5

Substrate white, 3% tones ,L* value for C, M, and K
substrate white > 3% tone,
98% tone > solid tone

Tolerance between the standard
value and the measured value

All 54 patches
6 patches for graybalance colorimetry

Outer gamut patches

After storage in a dark place for 7 days,
for all patches , ΔE ≦ 1.5

Average ΔH ≦ 1.5

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Central positions on each line in the three color
registration test patterns on the upper left, thecenter, and the lower right of the test form sheet

Whether no color registration isdisplaced (by one line)

Confirmed
by
JPMA

C, M, and K positive, non-serif, western font of 2point size
C, M, and K negative(reverse), non-serif, western font of 8point size Whether they are distinguishable
2 point reverse line in C, M, and K

Proofing Process
Management Certification

Confirmed
by
JPMA

Whether prescribed conditions are indicated

Applying organization

Major items examined in Proofing Process Management Certification are as follows.

■ 4 months must have passed since Offset Process Control
Certification was obtained.

Application procedure

Applying
organization
JPMA

JPMA

1

Preparation
before application

2

Submission of
application forms

3

Audit ofapplication forms

Can be resubmitted
until passing
the auditof color difference between
4 Confirmation
colorimeter of applying organization and that of JPMA

5

Application for
the audit

6

Audit

7

Certification
registration

Re-certification■ If a certification holder fails to pass the biennial renewal audit, the certification

will be revoked.

■ After Color Matching Accuracy Certification is obtained, the renewal audit forOffset Process Control Certification will no longer be required in principle andintegrated into the renewal audit for Color Matching Accuracy Certification.
Regardless of the renewal deadline for Offset Process Control Certification, therenewal audit for Color Matching Accuracy Certification will be conducted every
2 years from the date on which it is obtained.

■ If the renewal audit of Color Matching Accuracy Certification is failed, therenewal audit for Offset Process Control Certification will be conducted
separately in accordance with its certification standard.

Color measurement
and confirmation positions※1

Criteria※2

Exemption*3 Basis of

judgment

Solid tones of C, M, Y, and K of
ISO12642-2 (1617 patches)

ΔE ≦ 6Large area uniformity

9 rocations each on 3 types of chartsof JC_TEST_FORM 4_Ver1 (3 types of gray)●Discoloration

6 CMYRGB patches of the Japan Colorcontrol strip (54 patches)

ΔE ≦ 2 For the L* values for all 9 points,
SDL* ≦ 0.5 For the a* values for all
9 points, SDa* ≦ 0.5For the b* values
for all 9 points, SDb* ≦ 0.5
After storage in a dark place for 7 days,
for all patches , ΔE ≦ 1.5●

Light fastness

6 CMYRGB patches of the Japan Colorcontrol strip (54 patches)

For all patches, after 24-hour exposure
to a natural white fluorescent lamp forcolor evaluation, ΔE ≦ 2●

54 patches of ISO12642-2 and22 patches of 19 tones
6 patches for gray balance colorimetry
among 22 patches of 19 tones

Maximum ΔE ≦ 6
Average ΔE ≦ 3

All 54 patches
6 patches for graybalance colorimetry

Outer gamut patches

ΔH ≦ 4

Average ΔH ≦ 1.5

226 patches of ISO12642-2

Average ΔE ≦ 4

All 1617 patches

All 1617 patches of ISO12642-2

Average ΔE ≦ 3
95% ΔE ≦ 6

Substrate white

Substrate white (CMYK:0,0,0,0) of ISO12642-2

ΔE ≦ 3

Consecutive output

54 patches (10 samples) of ISO12642-2
and 22 patches of 19 tones

For the average color difference on each of
10 printed samples between the averagevalue and the measured value for each of 54
patches, ΔE ≦ 1.5

Stability of the system

Solid tones of C,M,Y,R,G,B tones and 40% C,M,Y
tones in ISO12642-2
Substrate white, 3% tones ,Tone value reproduction limits 98% tones, and solid tones of C, M, Y, and K,
of 22 patches in 19 tones

Reproduction of the minimum
dots on a solid tone

5% dots on a yellow solid tone

Tone jump

All C, M, Y, and K gradation circles

Image register and fonts

Mergin Information

Applying
organizationof
2 Submission
application forms

JPMA

of
3 Auditapplication forms

Applying
organizationof color difference between colorimeter4 Confirmationof applying organization and that of JPMA

Applying
organizationfor
5 Application
the audit

JPMA

6 AuditCan beresubmitted
until passing
the audit

7 Certification
registration

R e -c e rti fi c at i o n■ As no validity period is set for Proofing System

Certification, a renewal procedure is not required.

*1: Found in JC_TEST_FORM 3_Ver2 unless otherwise specified.
*2: Comparison with certification reference L*a*b* values unless otherwise specified.

A ppl i cat i o n p r o c e d u r e

Solid tones of chromatic
primary patches

Tolerance between the standard
value and the measured value

1 Preparation
before application

Certifies an ability to output highly reliable
printing proofs stably.

O ut l i ne
Item

Applying
organization

Measuredvalue
by JPMA
Measuredvalue
by JPMAb* value for Y
substrate white < 3% tone,
C* value for Y 98% tone < solid tone

A human-readable commentary line printed on a mergin

be made by proofing system distributors, forinstance, besides proofing system manufacturers.

A ppl i c a ti on p r o c e d u r e

Confirmed
by
JPMA

Tone jump■ An application for Proofing System Certification can

Valuessubmitted
by theapplicant

All C, M, Y, and K gradation circles

5% dots on a yellow solid tone

A ppl y i ng or g a n i za t i o n

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Whether the distinction between theyellow solid tone and the tones ofcircles can be confirmed
Whether no significant discontinuity
in gradation is foundReproduction of the minimum
dots on a solid tone

Image register and fonts

ΔH ≦ 4

Application pr ocedur e

Applying
organization
Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Solid tones of chromatic
primary patches

Mergin Information

Applying
organization

and K, of 22 patches
in 19 tones*1: Found in JC_TEST_FORM 3_Ver2 unless otherwise specified.
*2: Comparison with certification reference L*a*b* values unless otherwise specified.

■ The validity period of Offset Process Control Certification is 2
years. If a certification holder fails to pass the biennial renewal
audit, the certification will be revoked.

Applying
organization

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Substrate white, 3%

Reproduction of
the minimum dots
on a solid tone

Criteria※2

L* value for C, M, and K
substrate white > 3% tone,
98% tone > solid tone

tones ,98% tones, andTone value
reproduction limits solid tones of C, M, Y,

Re-certification

Basis ofjudgment

Criteria※2of 22 patches in 19 tones

Certifies advanced color management ability.

OutlineColor measurement
and confirmation positions※1

Tone value reproduction limits 98% tones, and solid tones of C, M, Y, and K,

Major items examined in Offset Process Control Certification are as follows.
■ In comparison with reference values for Offset Process Control Certification

Item

A ppl i cat i o n p r o c e d u r eCentral positions on each line in the three color
registration test patterns on the upper left, thecenter, and the lower right of the test form sheet

For all patches, in comparison withsamples printed 24 hours before, ΔE ≦ 1.5

A human-readable commentary line printed on a mergin●●

Whether prescribed
conditions are indicatedMeasuredvalue
by JPMA
Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Whether the distinction between theyellow solid tone and the tones ofcircles can be confirmed
Whether no significant discontinuity
in gradation is found

C, M, and K positive, non-serif, western font of 2point size
C, M, and K negative(reverse), non-serif, western font of 8point size Whether they are distinguishable

2 point reverse line in C, M, and K

Valuessubmitted
by theapplicantMeasuredvalue
by JPMA

L* value for C, M, and K
substrate white > 3% tone,
98% tone > solid tone
b* value for Y
substrate white < 3% tone,
C* value for Y 98% tone < solid tone

Whether no color registration isdisplaced (by one line)

Measuredvalue
by JPMA

Confirmed
by
JPMA

●
●
●
●

Confirmed
by
JPMA
Confirmed
byJPMA

A ppl y i ng or g a n i za t i o n■

Where multiple systems of the same proofing
model are possessed, if certification is obtained for
one representative proofing system selected,
certification is equally granted to other systems byjust reporting them, provided that other systems aremanaged in the same manner as the one for which
certification is obtained.

A ppl i c a ti on p r o c e d u r e
Applying
organization

1 Preparation
before application

Applying
organizationof
2 Submission
application forms

JPMA

of
3 Auditapplication forms

Applying
organizationof color difference between colorimeter4 Confirmationof applying organization and that of JPMA

Applying
organizationfor
5 Application
the audit

JPMA

6 AuditCan beresubmitted
until passing
the audit

7 Certification
registration

R e -c e rti fi c at i o n■ The validity period for Proofing Process Manage-

ment Certification is 2 years.
If a certiﬁcation holder fails to pass the biennial
renewal audit, the certiﬁcation will be revoked.

*1: Found in JC_TEST_FORM 3_Ver2 unless otherwise specified.
*2: Comparison with certification reference L*a*b* values unless otherwise specified.
*3: Indicates items exempted from audit if an application for this certification is made for a system forwhich Proofing System Certification has been obtained.