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February 26, 2020

The following are the revisions made to the publication Government Paper Specification 

Standards, Volume 13, dated September 2019.

Cover

From: March 2011 No. 12

To: September 2019 No. 13

Title Page

From: U.S. Government Printing Office

To: U.S. Government Publishing Office

Introduction

From: 108 standards

To: 103 standards

Added: Part 5 Basis Weights and Thickness Data

From: 15 classes of papers

To: 14 classes of papers

PART 1 SPECIFICATIONS

A15

Basis weight 

From: 25 28 30 32

To: 26.1 27.7 30.0 

Tensile strength

Deleted

A25

Title

From: Heat-set Web Offset Machine-finish Book

To: Uncoated Heat-Set Machine-Finish Web Text

Stock

Deleted Lignin content requirement

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Brightness

From: Shall target 81% 

To: Shall target 88%

A50

Title

From: Machine-finish Book End

To: Uncoated Machine-Finish Book End

Previous Option is now the requirement.
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A55

Title

From: Heat-set Web Offset Book

To: Heat-Set Web Text

Stock

Deleted Lignin content requirement

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Brightness 

From: Shall target 81%

To: Shall target not less than 90%

Color 

Deleted: CIELAB deviation and values.

A60

Title 

From: Offset Book

To: Uncoated Text

Stock

Deleted Lignin content requirement

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Brightness 

From: Shall target 81%

To: Shall target 88%

Footnotes

Deleted all

A61

Title

From: No. 1 Offset Book, Smooth-finish

To: No. 1 Smooth-Finish Text

Previous Option is now the requirement.

Acidity

Deleted Note: Any deviation in this requirement is sufficient cause for rejection of the paper.

Thickness

From: 3.5 4.1 4.9 5.5

To: 3.9 4.7 5.5 6.3

From: A tolerance of ±0.0003 inch

To: A tolerance of ±0.0005 inch

Brightness

From: Shall target 83%

To: Shall target 88%
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A63

Title

From: Offset Book, Colored

To: Uncoated Colored Text

Testing

Deleted “except as noted above”

Footnote

Deleted

A65

Title

From: Light-weight Uncoated Groundwood Paper

To: Uncoated Light-Weight Groundwood Text

Stock

From: Not less than 40% postconsumer fiber. Any percent over 40 percentage points are encouraged, 

provided that the requirements of this Standard are met.

To: Mechanical Pulp. No post-consumer fiber is required.

Thickness

From: 2.6 mils

To: 3.0 mils

Brightness

From: Shall target 70%

To: Shall target 72%

Finish

From: Paper shall have an English-finish

To: Shall be uniform.

A70

Title

From: 100% Recycled Offset Book

To: Uncoated 100% Recycled Text

Bursting Strength

From: 2 (40#)

To: 12 (40#)

Thickness

From: 5.6 (70#) 6.4 (80#) 8.8 (100#)

To: 5.5 (70#) 6.2 (80#) 8.2 (100#)

Brightness

From: Shall target 81%

To: Shall target not less than 85%

Ruling and writing quality

Deleted

Footnotes

Deleted all

A72: Deleted
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A75

Title

From: Light-weight Offset Book (Bible Paper)

To: Light-Weight Text (Bible Paper)

Previous Option is now the requirement.

Acidity

Deleted Note: Any deviation in this requirement is sufficient cause for rejection of the paper.

Smoothness

From: 90 to 60

To: 60 to 100

Brightness

From: Shall target 81%

To: Shall target not less than 88%

A80

Title

From: Opacified Offset Book

To: Opacified Text

Previous Option is now the requirement.

Stock

Deleted Lignin content requirement

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Thickness

From: 3.0 (40#)

To: 3.1 (40#)

Brightness

From: Shall target not less than 81%

To: Shall target not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted

A90

Title

From: Vellum-finish Book, White and Colored

To: Vellum-Finish Text; White and Colors

Previous Option is now the requirement.

Basis Weight

Added: 100#

Acidity

Deleted Note: Any deviation in this requirement is sufficient cause for rejection of the paper.

Bursting strength

From: 23 (60#) 31 (80#)

To: 24 (60#) 28 (80#)

Brightness

From: shall target not less than 81%

To: shall target not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted
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A91

Title

From: Smooth and Fancy-finish Text, White and Colored 

To: Smooth and Embossed Text; White and Colors

Previous Option is now the requirement.

Basis weight

Added 60#

Acidity

Deleted Note: Any deviation in this requirement is sufficient cause for rejection of the paper.

Thickness

From: 5.5 (70#)

To: 5.6 (70#)

Brightness

From: shall target 88%

To: shall target 92%

A95

Title

From: Hi-bulk Offset (Return Mailer)

To: Hi-Bulk Text (Return Mailer)

Basis weight

From: A tolerance of ±10%

To: A tolerance of ±5%

A100

Title

From: Antique Book

To: Antique Text

A110

Title

From: 50% Antique Book

To: 50% Cotton Antique Text

Acidity

From: not less than 6.5

To: not less than 7.0

Porosity

Added

A120

Title

From: 50% Laid-antique Book

To: 50% Cotton Laid-Finish Antique Text

Acidity

From: not less than 6.5

To: not less than 7.0

A150: Deleted
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A160

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Testing

Added “except as noted in the specification”

A170: Deleted

A175

Title

From: (Publication Grade) Gloss Coated Book

To: Gloss-Coated Text (Publication Grade)

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: Free from groundwood or unbleached wood pulp. Note: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any 

percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Brightness

From: Average not less than 70%

To: Average not less than 80%

A180

Title

From: Litho (Gloss) Coated Book

To: Gloss-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

Added: 50#

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 85%

Footnote

Deleted

A181

Title

From: No. 1 Coated Text, Gloss-finish

To: No. 1 Gloss-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged
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Opacity

From: Average not less than 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 96 (100#)

To: Average not less than 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#)

From: Individual specimen 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#)

To: Individual specimen 90 (70#) 91 (80#) 92 (100#)

Brightness

From: Average not less than 86%

To: Average not less than 92%

A182

Title

From: No. 2 Coated Text, Gloss-finish

To: No. 2 Gloss-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Opacity

From: Average not less than 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 96 (100#)

To: Average not less than 91 (70#) 92 (80#) 92 (100#)

From: Individual specimen 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#)

To: Individual specimen 89 (70#) 90 (80#) 90 (100#)

Brightness

From: Average not less than 84%

To: Average not less than 90%

A205

Title

From: Litho (Gloss) Coated Book

To: Durable Gloss-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Folding endurance

From: 100

To: 50

Brightness

From: Average not less than 81%

To: Average not less than 88%

A220

Title 

From: Water-resistant (Text) Book

To: Water-resistance Text

Thickness

From: 4.1 mils

To: 4.2 mils
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Smoothness

From: 110 to 60

To: 60 to 140

A230

Title

From: High Yield Opaque Offset (Light Coating)

To: High Yield (Light Coating) Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Thickness

From: 3.0 (35#) 3.1 (38#) 3.2 (40#) 3.6 (45#) 4.0 (50#)

To: 2.9 (35#) 3.2 (38#) 3.3 (40#) 3.5 (45#) 3.8 (50#)

Coating

Deleted “request a certification from the supplier as to the type and amount of coating used in 

manufacturing the paper.”

A235

Title

From: (Publication Grade) Matte Coated Book

To: Matte-Coated Text (Publication Grade)

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Thickness

From: 2.5 (40#) 3.1 (50#) 3.7 (60#) 4.3 (70#) 

To: 3.3 (40#) 3.7 (50#) 4.3 (60#) 5.4 (70#) 

A240

Title

From: Matte Coated Offset Book

To: Matte-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Folding endurance

From: 20 (60#)

To: 15 (60#)

Opacity

From: Average not less than 93 (60#) 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 96 (100#) 

To: Average not less than 91 (60#) 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 95 (100#) 

From: Individual specimen 91 (60#) 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 95 (100#) 

To: Individual specimen 89 (60#) 90 (70#) 91 (80#) 93 (100#) 
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Oil holdout

Deleted

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 92%

Coating

Deleted

Footnotes

Deleted all

A250

Title

From: Laid-finish Book, White and Colored

To: Uncoated Laid-Finish Text; White and Colors

Basis weight

Added 60#

Thickness

From: 7.5 (80#)

To: 7.4 (80#)

Brightness

From: not less than 81%

To: not less than 88%

A260

Title

From: Dull Coated Offset Book

To: Silk / Dull-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Opacity

From: Average not less than 93 (60#) 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 

To: Average not less than 88 (60#) 90 (70#) 91 (80#) 

From: Individual specimen 91 (60#) 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 

To: Individual specimen 86 (60#) 88 (70#) 89 (80#) 

Gloss

From: 25 to 40

To: 25 to 50

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted

A261

Title

From: No. 1 Coated Text, Dull-finish

To: No. 1 Silk / Dull-Coated Text
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Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Opacity

From: Average not less than 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 96 (100#) 

To: Average not less than 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#) 

From: Individual specimen 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#) 

To: Individual specimen 90 (70#) 91 (80#) 92 (100#) 

Brightness

From: Average not less than 86%

To: Average not less than 92%

A262

Title

From: No. 2 Coated Text, Dull-finish

To: No. 2 Silk / Dull-Coated Text

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Opacity

From: Average not less than 94 (70#) 95 (80#) 96 (100#) 

To: Average not less than 91 (70#) 92 (80#) 93 (100#) 

From: Individual specimen 92 (70#) 93 (80#) 94 (100#) 

To: Individual specimen 89 (70#) 90 (80#) 91 (100#) 

Brightness

From: Average not less than 84%

To: Average not less than 90%

Formation

From: Coating shall be uniform; shall be uniformly applied; shall not be gritty, mottled, stippled, or 

ribbed in appearance; and shall not exhibit cracks or flake off.

To: Shall be uniform.

Finish

 Added

A270

Title

From: Uncoated Permanent Book, White and Cream White

To: Uncoated-Permanent Text; White and Cream White

Folding endurance

From: 30 (70#)

To: 35 (70#)

Thickness

From: 2.2 (30#) 3.0 (40#) 3.9 (50#) 4.7 (60#) 5.5 (70#)

To: 2.6 (30#) 3.5 (40#) 4.1 (50#) 4.5 (60#) 5.0 (70#)

Brightness

From: Shall target 81% for the white shade and 72% ±2% for the cream white or as specified

To: The white paper shall average not less than 88% or as specified
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Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 250 specks

To: shall not exceed 50 specks

ANSI/NISO

Deleted

Footnote

Deleted

A280: Added

D10

Title

From: Writing, White and Colored with Table Stock Option

To: Writing; White and Colors (With Tablet Stock Option)

Stock

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: Post-consumer fiber in any percentage is encouraged

Thickness

From: na (12#) na (18#) 

To: 2.4 (12#) 3.4 (18#) 

From: A tolerance of ±0.0004 inch

From: A tolerance of ±0.0005 inch

Footnote

Deleted 1

D11

Title

From: Smooth and Fancy-finish Writing Bond, White and Colored

To: Smooth and Embossed Writing; White and Colors 

Brightness

From: not less than 88%

To: not less than 90%

D50

Title

From: 100% Fine Writing

To: 100% Cotton Fine Writing

Basis weight

Added: 24# 32#

Folding endurance

Added

Opacity

Added
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E10

Acidity

Deleted rosin content requirement

Smoothness

From: 85

To: 100

E20

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber for the 20-pound stock and 20% postconsumer fiber for 

the 24-pound stock. Any percent over the 10 and 20 percentage points are encouraged for the 

20- and 24-pound stock, respectively

To: Not less than 10% post-consumer fiber. Any percent over the 10 percentage points is encouraged

Smoothness

 From: 110 to 70

 To: 60 to 120

E40

Thickness

From: 3.5 (20#) 3.7 (22#)

To: 3.7 (20#) 4.1 (22#)

Smoothness

From: 110 to 80

To: 60 to 120

E50

Acidity

Deleted rosin content requirement

Smoothness

From: 110 to 70

To: 60 to 120

Testing

Added: The “precision” requirements

F10: Deleted

F30: Deleted

G05

Title

From: Chemical Wood Forms Bond, White and Colored

To: Chemical Wood Forms Bond; White and Colors

Thickness

From: 2.4 (11/12/13#)

To: 2.6 (11/12/13#)

From: A tolerance of ±0.0003 inch

To: A tolerance of ±0.0005 inch
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Brightness

From: The white paper shall target not less than 79%

To: The white paper shall target not less than 84%

G10

Basis weight

Added: 28# 32#

Brightness

From: Shall target 82%

To: Shall target not less than 88%

G15

Title

From: 50% Recycled Forms Bond, White and Colored

To: 50% Recycled Bond; White and Colors

Opacity

From: Average not less than 82 (20#)

To: Average not less than 84 (20#)

From: Individual specimen 80 (20#)

To: Individual specimen 82 (20#)

Thickness

From: 2.6 (10#) 3.5 (15#) 4.1 (18#) 4.5 (20#)

To: 2.4 (10#) 3.2 (15#) 3.6 (18#) 4.0 (20#)

Brightness

From: The white paper shall target not less than 77% or as specified.

To: The white paper shall target not less than 84% or as specified. The natural shade shall target not 

less than 59% or as specified.

Cleanliness

From: Shall match the Government standard.

To: The dirt count for each side of the paper shall not exceed 650 specks per square meter. No 

sample sheet (81⁄2 x 11” in size) shall contain more than one defect with an equivalent area of 

0.25mm2 or greater.

G16: Deleted

G40

Title

From: 25% Bond, White and Colored Archival Quality

To: 25% Cotton Bond; White and Colors; Archival Quality

Folding endurance

From: 75 (16#)

To: 70 (16#)

Brightness

From: target not less than 82%

To: target not less than 88%

Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 650 specks

To: shall not exceed 250 specks

ANSI/NISO

Deleted
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G45

Title

From: 25% Bond, White and Colored 50% Recycled

To: 25% Cotton Bond; White and Colors; 50% Recycled

Brightness

From: target not less than 82%

To: target not less than 88%

G50

Title

From: 25% Translucent Bond

To: 25% Cotton Translucent Bond

Acidity

Deleted rosin content requirement

Watermark

Deleted “Paper shall not be watermarked”

Testing

Deleted “precision requirement”

G60

Title

From: 25% Opacified Bond Archival Quality

To: 25% Cotton Opacified Bond; Archival Quality

Opacity

From: Average not less than 86 (20#) 88 (24#)

To: Average not less than 88 (20#) 90 (24#)

From: Individual specimen 84 (20#) 86 (24#)

To: Individual specimen 86 (20#) 88 (24#)

Brightness

From: Shall target not less than 82%

To: Shall target not less than 85%

ANSI/NISO

Deleted

G65

Title

From: 25% Opacified Bond, White and Colored 50% Recylced

To: 25% Cotton Opacified Bond; White and Colors; 50% Recycled

Acidity

From: not less than 6.5

To: not less than 7.0

Tearing strength

Added

Brightness

From: not less than 82%

To: not less than 88%

Finish

Added
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G70

Title

From: 50% Bond

To: 50% Cotton Bond

Smoothness

From: 370 to 325

To: 370

Brightness

From: Shall target 82%

To: Shall target 88%

G80

Title

From: 100% Bond

To: 100% Cotton Bond

Brightness

From: Shall target not less than 82%

To: Shall target 88%

H10

Title

From: 100% Parchment Deed

To: 100% Cotton Parchment 

Formation

Added: with a parchment appearance

H20

Title

From: Cream White 100% Artificial Parchment

To: 100% Cotton Parchment; Cream White

Basis weight

From: 17 by 22 inches 47#

To: 20 by 26 inches 65#

Acidity

Added: “by cold extraction”

Brightness

Added: “not less than”

Formation

Added: “with a parchment appearance”

H30

Title

From: Imitation Parchment, Laser-finish, White, Natural White, and Colored Archival Quality Option

To: Laser-Finish Parchment; White, Natural White and Colors

Basis weight

From: 17 by 22 inches 47#

To: 20 by 26 inches 65#

Folding endurance

From: 28 (24#) 30 (32#)

To: 22 (24#) 25 (32#)
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Brightness

From: shall target not less than 79%

To: shall target not less than 82%

Finish and Formation

Added: “with a parchment appearance”

ANSI/NISO

Deleted

H40

Title

From: Cream White Diploma Paper, Smooth-finish Archival Quality Option

To: Smooth-Finish Diploma Paper; Cream White

Basis weight

From: 17 by 22 inches 47#

To: 20 by 26 inches 65#

Smoothness

From: 250

To: 300

Formation

Added: “have a parchment appearance”

Tearing strength

From: 50 70 100

To: 100

ANSI/NISO

Deleted

J10

Title

From: Ledger, White and Colored

To: Ledger; White and Colors

Stock

Deleted Lignin content requirement

Acidity

From: pH value average not less than 6.5 for white paper and 5.0 for colored paper

To: pH value shall average not less than 5.0

Brightness

From: shall target not less than 81%

To: shall target not less than 85%

Option Acidity

From: not less than 7.0

To: not less than 7.5

Testing

Deleted color criteria 

Footnote

Deleted
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J20

Title

From: 25% Ledger

To: 25% Cotton Ledger

Brightness

From: Shall target 80%

To: Shall target 88%

J30

Title

From: 100% Ledger

To: 100% Cotton Ledger

Watermark

Deleted Style F

Brightness

From: Shall target 80%

To: Shall target not less than 80%

Footnote 1

From: The grade is 100% recycled with the 100% cotton/linen fiber content.

To: The grade has 100% cotton/linen fiber content.

Footnote 2

Deleted: The selection of Style C or F watermark depends on the presence of postconsumer 

recovered fiber in the paper.

K10

Title

From: Index, White and Colored

To: Index; White and Colors

Stock

From: Not less than 20% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 20 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

Tearing strength

Added

Thickness

From: 7.5 (90#) 13.8 (170#)

To: 7.4 (90#) 13.5 (170#)

Brightness

From: not less than 81%

To: not less than 88%

Option Stock

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged
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K20

Title

From: 25% Index, White and Colored

To: 25% Cotton Index; White and Colors

Stock

From: Not less than 20% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 20 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

Acidity

Deleted rosin content requirement

From: pH value average not less than 6.5 for white paper and 5.0 for colored paper

To: pH value shall average not less than 7.0

Brightness

From: not less than 80%

To: not less than 88%

Testing

Deleted color criteria 

Footnote

Deleted Footnote 2

K30

Title

From: Cream White 100% Index

To: 100% Cotton Index; Cream White

L10

Title

From: Litho (Gloss) Coated Cover

To: Gloss-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

From: 60/65#

To: 65#

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 85%

L11

Title

From: No. 1 Coated Cover, Gloss-finish

To: No. 1 Gloss-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged
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Basis weight

From: 65#

To: 60#

Brightness

From: Average not less than 86%

To: Average not less than 92%

Footnote

Deleted “this weight [60#] is available in limited quantities”

L12

Title

From: No. 2 Coated Cover, Gloss-finish

To: No. 2 Gloss-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

From: 65#

To: 60#

Opacity

From: Average not less than 96 (80#) 97 (100#)

To: Average not less than 97 (80#) 98 (100#)

From: Individual specimen 94 (80#) 95 (100#)

To: Individual specimen 95 (80#) 96 (100#)

Brightness

From: Average not less than 84%

To: Average not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted “this weight [60#] is available in limited quantities”

L20

Title

From: Vellum-finish Cover, White and Colored

To: Vellum-Finish Cover; White and Colors

Acidity

Added

Brightness

From: shall target 81%

To: shall average not less than 88%

Testing

Deleted color criteria 

L21

Title

From: Smooth and Fancy-finish Cover, White and Colored

To: Smooth and Embossed Cover; White and Colors

Basis weight

Added 130#
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Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 250 specks

To: shall not exceed 650 specks

L23

Title

From: Offset Cover

To: Uncoated Cover

Brightness

From: Shall target not less than 83%

To: Shall target not less than 88%

L24

Title

From: Vellum-bristol Cover, White and Colored

To: Vellum Bristol Cover; White and Colors

Brightness

From: shall target 83%

To: shall target 88%

L40

Title

From: Laid-finish Cover, White and Colored

To: Uncoated Laid-Finish Cover; White and Colors

Brightness

From: shall target 83%

To: shall target 88%

L50

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

From: 60/65#

To: 65#

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 85%

Footnote

Deleted

L60

Title

From: Dull Coated Cover

To: Silk / Dull-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged
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Basis weight

From: 60/65#

To: 65#

Bursting Strength

From: 40 (65#) 50 (80#) 60 (100#)

To: 30 (65#) 40 (80#) 50 (100#)

Smoothness

From: 115

To: 120

Brightness

From: Average not less than 82%

To: Average not less than 85%

L61

Title

From: No. 1 Coated Cover, Dull-finish

To: No. 1 Silk / Dull-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

From: 60#

To: 65#

Brightness

From: Average not less than 86%

To: Average not less than 90%

Footnote

Deleted “this weight [60#] is available in limited quantities”

L62

Title

From: No. 2 Coated Cover, Dull-finish

To: No. 2 Silk / Dull-Coated Cover

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Basis weight

From: 60#

To: 65#

Opacity

From: Average not less than 96 (80#) 97 (100#)

To: Average not less than 97 (80#) 98 (100#)

From: Individual specimen 94 (80#) 95 (100#)

To: Individual specimen 95 (80#) 96 (100#)

Gloss

From: 25 to 45

To: 25 to 50
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Brightness

From: Average not less than 84%

To: Average not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted “this weight [60#] is available in limited quantities”

L70

Caliper

Deleted: 15pt

Added: 16pt 20pt

Opacity

From: Average not less than 94 (24pt)

To: Average not less than 96 (24pt)

From: Individual specimen 92 (24pt)

To: Individual specimen 94 (24pt)

Brightness

From: Average not less than 81%

To: Average not less than 88%

L72: Added

L80

Stock

From: Not less than 10% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 10 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: No post-consumer fiber is required. Any percentage of post-consumer fiber is encouraged

Brightness

From: Average not less than 81%

To: Average not less than 88%

Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 650 specks

To: shall not exceed 250 specks

N10

Basis weight

From: 24 by 36 inches

To: 25 by 38 inches

O10

Adhesive quality

From: except silicone-treated glass

To: except silicone-treated substrates

Footnote

Deleted
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O25

Basis weight 

Deleted “Bond” and “Ledger”

Stiffness

Added: Gurley

Thickness

From: 3.7 (20#) 4.7 (24#)

To: 3.8 (20#) 4.8 (24#)

Porosity

From: 15 (24#) 15 (32#)

To: 18 (24#) 20 (32#)

Smoothness

From: 170 to 100

To: 100 to 190

Brightness

From: Shall target 81%

To: Average not less than 88%

Footnote

Deleted

O26

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

Thickness

From: A tolerance of ±0.0003 inch

To: A tolerance of ±0.0005 inch

Footnote

Deleted

O27

Moisture content

From: Average 5.5

To: Average 5.0

From: A tolerance of ±0.3

To: A tolerance of ±0.5

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

Porosity

From: 15 to 45

To: 20

Formation

Deleted

Footnote

Deleted
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O60

Title

From: Plain Copier, Xerographic, White and Colored (Archival Quality and Qualified Product)

To: Plain Copier, Xerographic; White and Colors (Archival Quality)

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

Smoothness

From: 190 to 130

To: 120 to 200

Brightness

From: shall target not less than 82%

To: shall target not less than 88%

Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

ANSI/NISO

Deleted

Footnote 

Deleted

O61

Title

From: High Quality Xerographic Copier, Laser Printer (Qualified Product)

To: High Quality Xerographic Copier, Laser Printer

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

Smoothness

From: 100

To: 110

Brightness

From: Shall target 86%

To: Shall target 90%

Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 25 specks

To: shall not exceed 250 specks

Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

Footnote

Deleted

O63

Title

From: Plain Copier, Xerographic Copier, Laser Printer, Colored (Qualified Product)

To: Plain Copier, Xerographic, Laser Printer; Colors

Thickness

From: 3.7 (20#) 4.1 (24#) 4.7 (28#)

To: 4.0 (20#) 4.5 (24#) 5.0 (28#)

From: A tolerance of ±0.0003 inch

To: A tolerance ±0.0005 inch
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Finish

Added

Cleanliness

From: shall not exceed 100 specks

To: shall not exceed 250 specks

Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

O65

Title

From: Plain Copier, Xerographic, White and Colored (Qualified Product)

To: Plain Copier, Xerographic; White and Colors

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

From: Machine direction: 135

To: Machine direction: 130

Tearing strength

From: 36

To: 30

Smoothness

From: 190 to 130

To: 130 to 200

Brightness

 From: shall target not less than 82%

To: shall target not less than 88%

Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

Footnote

Deleted

O70

Title

From: 100% Recycled Plain Copier, Xerographic (Qualified Product)

To: 100% Recycled Plain Copier, Xerographic

Stiffness

Deleted Taber units

From: Cross direction: 65 (20#)

To: Cross direction: 60 (20#)

Smoothness

From: 190 to 130

To: 130 to 200

Brightness

From: Shall target 82%

To: Shall target 88%

Cleanliness

From: Shall match the Government standard.

To: The dirt count for each side of the paper shall not exceed 250 specks per square meter. No 

sample sheet (81⁄2 x 11” in size) shall contain more than one defect with equivalent area of 

0.25mm2 or greater.
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Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

Footnote

Deleted

O80

Title

From: Carbonless Bond

To: Carbonless Bond; White and Colors

O90

Title

From: Printable Plastic Film (Synthetic Paper) (Qualified Product)

To: Printable Plastic Film (Synthetic Paper)

Caliper

From: 4 7 8.5

To: 3.7 7.5 10.5 10.5 12 14 16 

Added: A tolerance of ±0.001 inch shall be allowed. Paper/film shall be uniform and shall not vary 

more than 0.0005 inch from edge to edge.

Opacity

From: 92 (5.5 mil)

To: 91 (5.5 mil)

Aged film

From: Atlas fadeometer or equivalent with a carbon arc

To: fadeometer with a Xenon Light Source. 

From: 4,000

To: 2,000

Surface

Deleted “or be subject to attack by mold, mildew, or fungus under normal conditions”

Brightness

From: Shall target not less than 86%

To: Shall not be less than 90%

Note

Added: Some of the synthetic papers listed in the QPL found at gpo.gov are exclusively for offset 

printing. Some can be used for both offset printing and in copiers and printers. Contact the 

manufacturer of the synthetic paper for specific limitations and for end use applications. 

Testing

Deleted “except as noted above”

Deleted: Qualified Product information

O91

Title

From: Uncoated (Tear-resistant) Synthetic Paper (Qualified Product)

To: Uncoated (Tear-resistant) Synthetic Paper

Caliper

Added: 10 12

Aged paper

From: Atlas fadeometer or equivalent with a carbon arc

To: fadeometer with a Xenon Light Source. 
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Testing

Deleted: Qualified Product information

From: Part 4 shall apply except as noted above

To: Part 4 shall apply as noted above

P20

Title

From: High-finish Folder Stock, Natural and Colored

To: High-Finish Folder Stock; Natural and Colors

Basis weight

Added: 330#

From: A tolerance of ±10%

To: A tolerance of ±5%

Q20

Title

From: Railroad Board, White and Colored

To: Railroad Board, White and Colors

Q50

Title

From: Chemical Wood Board, Colored

To: Chemical Wood Board; Colors

Q80

Writing quality

From: Characters written with ballpoint and felt tip pens shall be clear-cut.

To: Characters written with ballpoint and felt tip pens shall be clear and free from excessive 

feathering.

R10

Title

From: Pressboard, Colored (Type III)

To: Pressboard; Colors (Type III)

Thickness

Deleted: +0.0015 inch shall be allowed (25 mil)

R11

Title

From: Pressboard, Colored (Type I)

To: Pressboard; Colors (Type I)

Thickness

Deleted: +0.0015 inch shall be allowed (25 mil)

R30

Basis weight

From: A tolerance of ±6% shall be allowed

To: A tolerance of ±5% shall be allowed
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Density

From: 0.8 to 1.0

To: 1.4 to 1.6

Size and trim

Deleted

Testing

Added: “precision requirements”

General Requirements for Envelopes

Flap adhesive

From: When opened not less than 15 seconds or more than 20 seconds, after sealing

To: When opened, more than 20 seconds after sealing

Size

From: A tolerance of minus 0 inch and +1/8 inch.

To: No undersize envelopes are allowed. See QATAP for specific tolerances.

V10

Stock

From: 100% sulphate pulp

To: 1005 Kraft/sulphate pulp

From: Not less than 20% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 20 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: post-consumer fiber in any percentage is encouraged

Color

From: Shall be light-brown kraft shade

To: Shall be the manufacturer’s standard brown kraft shade. The envelopes in the order shall have a 

uniform shade.

Finish

Added “or as specified”

V15: Added – White Kraft Envelope

V20

Title

From: Writing Envelope, White and Colored

To: Writing Envelope, White and Colors

Stock

From: Not less than 30% postconsumer fiber. Any percentage over 30 percentage points are 

encouraged

To: post-consumer fiber in any percentage is encouraged

Basis weight

Added: 28 32

Brightness

From: not less than 82%

To: not less than 88%

Finish

Added “or as specified”
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V40

Title

From: 25% Bond Envelope

To: 25% Cotton Bond Envelope

Brightness

From: not less than 82%

To: not less than 88%

Finish

From: Envelopes shall have a light cockle finish

To: Envelopes shall have a wove finish or as specified.
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PART 2 TESTING STANDARDS AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

ANSI

Deleted

Blocking

Deleted “on the specimens for uncoated paper and 9 g/cm2

”

Erasing quality

Changed “burnishing” to “erasing”

FSC

Added

Lignin

Deleted

Oil holdout (of coating)

Deleted

Oil penetration

Deleted

PMU (Phosphor meter unit)

From: to the mail stream

To: by the mail system

Reflectance (brightness) drop

Deleted “water-cooled”

Rosin

Deleted

Sampling

From: particular situation

To: particular applications

Stiffness

Deleted “For the Taber test, use method T-489.”

Watermark

Deleted “a raised pattern”
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PART 3 STANDARD SAMPLES AND DRAWINGS

Color/Brightness

Deleted “To specify a unique color”

Deleted “manifold” from list of business paper grades.

Table 3: B

From: 82 Brightness

To: 88 Brightness

From: L*=93.3

To: L*=95.6

Watermark

Deleted *YEAR-9.5 mm (3/8”) Figures

Deleted *Location of year of manufacture
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PART 4 STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Introduction

Added: By letter dated December 17, 1998, the Joint Committee on Printing requested the GPO 

Director to carry out the Committee’s authorities and responsibilities contained in the following 

sections of Title 44.

Section 509

Changed “Public Printer” to “Director”

Section 513

Changed “Public Printer” to “Director”

Section 514

Changed “Public Printer” to “Director”

Product Quality Index

Changed “employee” to “employed”

Added: The PQI does not apply whenever an individual property requires “not less than” or “not 

greater than” in the specification. PQI is applicable only to properties where a tolerance is provided 

in the specification. “Not less than” means that the test results cannot be more than the 

requirement cited in the specification. Not meeting the “not greater than” or “not less than” 

requirement means that the paper shall be considered critically defective, and subject to outright 

rejections. 

Demerit Assessments

Oil holdout of coating

Deleted

Oil penetration

Deleted

Rosin

Deleted

Oil penetration

Deleted

Stock

Deleted: Lignin more than 1 percentage point from Specified.