GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 1

CONTRACT TERMS

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program 

for Printing and Binding (QATAP)

Prospective suppliers should carefully read this publication as 

the applicable attributes stated herein become an integral part of 

printing and binding contracts with the U.S. Government Publishing 

Office. This copy should be retained for reference.

GPO Publication 310.1 

Effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)

Cool Gray 11 + PMS 5415

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

732 North Capitol Street, NW

Washington, DC 20401-0001

Keeping America Informed | OFFICIAL | DIGITAL | SECURE

www.gpo.gov | facebook.com/USGPO | twitter.com/usgpo
CONTRACT TERMS

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program for Printing and Binding

Prospective suppliers should carefully read this publication as the applicable attributes stated herein become an 

integral part of printing and binding contracts with the U.S. Government Publishing Office. This copy should be 

retained for reference.

GPO Publication 310.1

Effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)

This publication is available online at GPO.gov.

Comments and suggestions from users of this publication are invited. All such correspondence should be 

addressed as follows:

U.S. Government Publishing Office 

Quality Control for Published Products

qcpp@gpo.gov

202-215-0542

Questions of applicability to individual contracts should be addressed to the respective Contracting Officer.
Foreword: QATAP—An Informational Overview iii

QATAP—Introduction

1. Definitions 1

2. Evaluation of Quality 2

3. Determining Acceptability 2

4. Categories of Attributes 3

5. Government Furnished Material (GFM) 4

Printing Attributes

P–1 Hickies and Spots 5

P–2 Extraneous Marks 6

P–3 Moire 8

P–4 Register 9

P–5 Text and Illustration Image Position 11

P–6 Reserved 13

P–7 Type Quality and Uniformity 14

P–8 Halftone Match 19

P–9 Solid or Screen Tint Color Match 23

P–10 Process Color Match 24

P–11 Rub Resistance of Printed Image 26

Finishing Attributes

F–1 Trim Size 29

F–2 Misplacement and Misalignment of Cover Image 31

F–3 Cover Position 33

F–4 Folding Position and Skewness 34

F–5 Perfect-Bound Book Durability 35

F–6 Loose Cover, Pages, and Binding 37

F–7 Excess Glue 38

F–8 Damaged Pages 39

F–9 Damaged Edges 40

F–10 Warpage 41

F–11 Damaged Covers 42

F–12 Missing Pages 44

F–13 Upside-Down Cover 44

TABLE OF CONTENTS
F–14 Upside-Down Pages 44

F–15 Unspecified Blank Pages 44

F–16 Wrong Pagination 44

F–17 Loss of Information 44

F–18 Reserved 44

Guide for Equitable Reductions

Table A—Discount Table for Critical Defects 45

Table B—Discount Table for Major Defects 48

Appendix

Printing and Binding Problem Index 52
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | iii

QATAP—AN INFORMATIONAL OVERVIEW

The purpose of QATAP is to provide the objective determination of conformity to these requirements once the 

product has been produced or received. This publication also provides awareness to vendors prior to submitting 

a bid or quotation of quality expectations for procured products. 

The quality of published products contracted for Federal Agencies by the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) 

is addressed in the following three GPO documents: 

■ The specific contract 

 The contract specifications should be read and followed exactly. 

■ GPO Contract Terms, Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental Specifications, and Contract Clauses 

310.2 (Rev. 01-18)

This publication is a part of every GPO contract by reference. Article 1 deals with quality requirements in 

a general manner.

■ GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program For Printing and Binding 

310.1 (Rev. 09-19)

This publication specifies the contractual requirements of QATAP. 

Note: If there is a conflict between the contract specifications and the other two documents, the specifications 

take precedence.

THIS FOREWORD IS NOT PART OF THE CONTRACT.

IT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM 

(QATAP)
iv | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Printing Attributes

P–1 Hickies and Spots 

P–2 Extraneous Marks 

P–3 Moire

P–4 Register

P–5 Text and Illustration Image Position 

P–6 Reserved

P–7 Type Quality and Uniformity

P–8 Halftone Match

P–9 Solid or Screen Tint Color Match 

P–10 Process Color Match

P–11 Rub Resistance of Printed Image

Paper Attributes

(Subdivided into characteristics; e.g., color, opacity, 

smoothness.) 

Finishing Attributes

F–1 Trim Size

F–2 Misplacement and Misalignment of Cover Image 

F–3 Cover Position

F–4 Folding Position and Skewness 

F–5 Perfect-Bound Book Durability 

F–6 Loose Cover, Pages, and Binding 

F–7 Excess Glue

F–8 Damaged Pages 

F–9 Damaged Edges

F–10 Warpage 

F–11 Damaged Covers

F–12 Missing Pages

F–13 Upside-Down Cover 

F–14 Upside-Down Pages

F–15 Unspecified Blank Pages 

F–16 Wrong Pagination

F–17 Loss of Information

F–18 Reserved

THE QUALITY ATTRIBUTES

QATAP is based on the use of quality attributes, which are measurable properties, including tolerances of a 

printed piece, which define its compliance with the specifications. Each quality attribute has its own evaluation 

procedure for measuring tolerances based on the Quality Level of the contract. 

The complete list of attributes is as follows:
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | v

EVALUATION STANDARDS

The attributes will be evaluated by the applicable standard:

■ An absolute basis, with defects assessed on deviation from explicit or implicit nominal 

● For example, (F–1) if the trim size is specified as 8 x 10”, these are the nominal values from which 

deviations are measured. 

■ Comparison to pre-identified specified standards (P–7, P–8, P–9, P–10, and some paper)

● For example, (P–9) if the density on the ink drawdown, approved by the Government is 1.30, that is the 

standard. 

Tolerances specify how far the product may deviate from the nominal or specified standard and still be 

acceptable. Tolerances are defined for each attribute and each Quality Level. 

For all but four of the numbered attributes and some paper characteristics, evaluation is made on an absolute 

basis, with defects assessed on deviation from explicit or implicit nominal values, rather than on comparisons to 

a specified physical object called the specified standard. 

Specified standards are pre-identified reference items (e.g., OK’d press sheets or furnished copy) with which 

sample items are compared to measure conformance for attributes P–7 through P–10 and some paper 

characteristics (e.g., paper color and formation). Another example, process color match (P–10) may be evaluated 

by comparing the printed illustration with an OK’d press sheet. In this instance the OK’d press sheet would have 

been listed in the job specifications as the specified standard for attribute P–10.

Thus, the evaluation for attributes P–7 through P–10, and some paper characteristics are made relative to a 

specified standard while the other attributes and paper characteristics are evaluated on an absolute basis.
vi | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

QUALITY LEVELS (QLs)

For each attribute, QATAP indicates either a specified standard or a nominal value along with tolerances that 

specify the range of acceptability. In either case, any necessary measuring instruments are listed.

Obviously, no single set of tolerances can apply to all products; for instance, tighter conformity is necessary on 

prestige products than on general information handouts or interoffice forms. Therefore, five Quality Levels (QLs) 

have been established in QATAP, based primarily on the intended end use of the product.

These levels range from Best Quality (Level I) through Functional Quality (Level V), allowing successively more 

deviation from design characteristics and furnished reproducibles.

The QL for each individual printing or binding job is selected by the customer agency, sometimes with GPO’s 

assistance. The QL is chosen based on the fidelity of reproduction required, the desired aesthetic appearance, 

and the intended durability of the final product.

Listed below are brief, general descriptions of the five Quality Levels; the exact definition of each level consists of 

the tolerances and standards listed in this publication.

Defects for printing, finishing, and paper attributes are counted toward an acceptable Quality Level, which is 

used to determine acceptance or rejection.

Note: 

The tolerance examples shown for each QL are the starting points at which demerits are assigned for printing 

attributes and defects for finishing attributes.

Some imperfections by themselves may render a product unacceptable.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | vii

Descriptive Terms

Best quality, highest quality, tightest tolerances.

Fidelity of Reproduction

The information transmitted requires maximum 

fidelity to the furnished reproducibles in detail, color, 

and resolution.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship

These products typically involve the highest quality 

materials, reproducibles, production methods, and 

workmanship. Finishing must be held to the highest 

standards of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Typical Physical Description

At this level, products are generally multicolor or 

process color work. Illustrations may be very fine 

line drawings, multicolor illustrations, or up to 300-

line screen halftones.

Examples of Tolerances

Half a row of dots for multicolor halftone registration 

(see attribute P–4); one broken character per page 

for type quality (see P–7); and greater than 1/16” for 

trim size (see F–1).

Examples

Art books, medical journals, and meat grading charts.

Descriptive Terms

Better quality, prestige quality, library quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction

Close fidelity to furnished reproducibles is required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship

These products typically involve high quality 

materials, reproducibles, production methods, 

and workmanship.

Typical Physical Description

Overall appearance is of primary importance. 

Products in this level generally have single color 

or multicolor work. Finishing must be held to high 

standards of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Examples of Tolerances

A half a row of dots for multicolor halftone registration (see P–4); one broken character per page 

for type quality (see P–7); and greater than 3/32” for 

trim size (see F–1). 

Examples

Yearbooks, recruiting materials, and illustrated 

professional papers.

Quality Level I

Quality Level II
viii | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Descriptive Terms

Good quality, above average quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction

Illustrations must transmit precise information even 

though fidelity to minutest detail is not required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship

Typically involves above average quality materials, 

reproducibles, production methods, and 

workmanship.

Typical Physical Description

Generally requires clean, sharp printing of single 

or multicolor work (general process color work), 

and halftone reproductions up to 150-line screen. 

Finishing must be held to above average standards 

of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Examples of Tolerances

One row of dots for multicolor halftone registration 

(see attribute P–4); two broken characters per page 

for type quality (see P–7); and greater than 1/8” for 

trim size (see F–1). 

Examples

Annual reports, general process color work, court 

decisions, budget reports, catalogs, textbooks.

Descriptive Terms

Basic quality, informational quality, utility quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction

Average fidelity and resolution to furnished copy or 

film is required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship

Requires average quality materials, reproducibles, 

production methods, and workmanship.

Typical Physical Description

Products that provide general information, usually 

black only or color linework (non-process), and 

occasional halftone reproductions. Utility is 

important, as well as basic, clean appearance. 

Finishing must be of an accuracy, durability, and 

appearance that does not impair the function of the 

product.

Examples of Tolerances

Two rows of dots for multicolor halftone registration 

(see attribute P–4); six broken characters per page 

for type quality (see P–7); and greater than 1/8” for 

trim size (see F–1).

Examples

Telephone directories, indexes, project reports 

(technical manuals without process color and with 

only occasional halftones).

Quality Level III

Quality Level IV
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | ix

Descriptive Terms

Functional quality, lowest usable quality, greatest 

tolerances.

Fidelity of Reproduction

Considered of adequate quality provided there is no 

loss of information from furnished copy.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship

Considered of adequate quality provided there is no 

information loss and the finishing does not impair 

the function of the product. These products may be 

reproduced from any readable copy.

Typical Physical Description

One-color type and line work only.

Examples of Tolerances

Multicolor halftone register is not applicable (see 

attribute P–4); broken characters are not applicable 

(see P–7); and greater than 1/8” for trim size (see F–1).

Examples

Interoffice forms, line-only information handouts. 

Quality Level V
x | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

MIXING QUALITY LEVELS

The foregoing implies a unique QL for each product. Actually, in some instances it may be desirable to mix Quality 

Levels. For example, a bound volume for which heavy use is anticipated may require Level II conformity to attributes 

related to life and durability, but only Level III conformity to attributes dealing with the quality of the printed image.

DEFINITION OF DEFECTS

For each attribute and QL, QATAP provides tolerances which are the allowable deviation from nominal values or 

specified standards.

For some of the attributes (e.g., number of flexes to loosen a page), different amounts of deviation from the 

specified values have vastly different effects on the usability of the finished product. Thus, two different types of 

defects (major and critical) have been defined.

Major defects are based on a deviation from specifications or standards which normally would be noticed by the 

customer; e.g., excessively low type density.

Critical defects are those which render a product extremely difficult to use, or even unusable; e.g., loss of 

information is always assessed as a critical defect.

Thus, for attributes P–1 through P–11, and the paper attribute, QATAP assesses only major defects, except when 

loss of information occurs. For attributes F–1 through F–17, major, or critical defects can be assessed.

INSPECTION BY ATTRIBUTES

Each attribute of each item inspected (individual book, pamphlet, etc.) is classified as acceptable, defective at 

the major level, or defective at the critical level. Therefore, each item can have more than one defect.

Specifically, for each printing attribute, P–1 through P–11, demerits are assessed to each page measured. 

Then the item is assessed a major defect for that attribute if the average demerit level (ADL) per page for that 

attribute exceeds 4.0.

If the ADL does not exceed 4.0, but if one or more pages is so obviously defective that it significantly impairs 

the quality of the entire copy, then a single major defect (Conspicuous Single Page Defect) will be assigned for 

that printing attribute. Examples are: a large hickey at the focal point of an illustration, P–1; a single page with 

extremely light (but legible) type, P–7; large ink or oil spots, P–1; large offcolor spots in process color illustrations, 

P–10.

For the finishing attributes, F–1 through F–17, no ADL is used to determine defects, nor does the Conspicuous 

Single Page Defect provision apply. Instead, for each finishing attribute, the individual item is inspected and if 

necessary, assessed a major defect or a critical defect in accordance with the applicable tolerance table.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | xi

QATAP provides for the evaluation of paper characteristics by inspection and testing in accordance with the 

standards in Government Paper Specification Standards, Part 2, Testing Standards and Definition of 

Terms. Demerits are assessed for each characteristic that deviates from nominal values or specified standards. 

Then, if the sum of the demerits for that item is 31 or more, the item is assessed a major defect under QATAP.

In summary, each individual item can be inspected for all applicable attributes and then assessed a specific 

number of major and/or critical defects; e.g., seven major defects and one critical defect.

ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING

There is an inherent variability in every group of manufactured items. One could inspect every item in the lot, but 

the cost would be prohibitive.

Therefore, determining the acceptability of an entire job, which may contain thousands of individual items, is 

somewhat more complicated than the inspection of a single item as described above.

One alternative to 100 percent inspection is a formal process called acceptance sampling which can be 

employed in many cases to determine the acceptability of an entire job.

Acceptance sampling involves the use of statistics applied to the results of inspecting each item in a representative 

sample taken from an entire job or shipment, hereinafter called a lot. ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and 

Tables for Inspection by Attributes (version in effect as of date of award) prescribes the sample size appropriate 

for varying lot sizes under various circumstances. A full description of the acceptance sampling process is contained 

in Government Printing Office, Technical Report No. 27, Acceptance Sampling.

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVELS (AQLs)

After selecting and inspecting a representative sample, the question is whether to accept or reject the entire lot 

based on those results.

Under QATAP, a contractor is not allowed to knowingly ship any defective products. However, in many 

circumstances, a customer may tolerate a limited, predefined percentage of defective items in a shipment that have 

not been caught by the contractor’s quality system. It is the job of this publication and ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling 

Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, to define this risk.

Therefore, in order to determine acceptance or rejection of the entire lot, an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) 

must be established. The AQL specifies the maximum number of defects per 100 units (as a process average) 

considered satisfactory for that lot.
xii | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

The purpose of sampling and inspection is to determine statistically whether the AQL has been exceeded. 

Typical AQLs for Government contracts are 1.0 defect per 100 items for critical defects, and 6.5 defects per 100 

items for total defects, i.e., major defects plus critical defects.

ACCEPTABILITY OR REJECTION OF THE LOT

After sampling and inspection, the appropriate tables in publication ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures 

and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, are checked to determine for the sample size being used and the 

number of defects that will render the lot acceptable or rejectable, i.e., the number of defects in the sample that 

corresponds to the AQL.

In a typical situation, a product that exceeds the AQL of 1.0 for critical defects or 6.5 for total defects is not deemed 

acceptable, and the Government has the option of having the lot replaced or the defects corrected, if possible.

In a limited number of cases, where circumstances do not allow reprinting and it is necessary to use “as is”, 

QATAP provides the Government the option of accepting the lot with an equitable reduction in the contract price. 

This publication provides discount tables to determine such reductions.

INTENT OF QATAP

While QATAP allows acceptance of a defective lot under an equitable reduction in contract price, in all cases, it is 

the intent of the Government that all of the items meet the quality specified in the contract.

Furthermore, the goal of QATAP is not only enforcement of quality standards through inspection, but also that 

contractors establish quality control systems that assure production of a product that meets the standards set forth 

in the contract.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | xiii

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Electronic copies of the following documents below may be obtained from:

U.S. Government Publishing Office

Quality Control for Published Products

• Email: qcpp@gpo.gov

• Phone: 202-512-0542

• Online at: GPO.gov

GPO Contract Terms, Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 

(Rev. 01-18)

Government Paper Specification Standards

GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program For Printing and Binding 310.1 

(Rev. 09-19)

*Government Printing Office, Technical Report No. 26, The GPO Quality Attributes Program—An Update

*Government Printing Office, Technical Report No. 27, Acceptance Sampling

*Available upon request

ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes may be obtained from

• American National Standards Institute

11 West 42nd Street

New York, NY 10036

• Phone: 212-642-4900

• Fax: 212-302-1286
xiv | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

QATAP SUMMARY

The attributes are evaluated against nominal values or specified standards.

There are five Quality Levels (QLs), I (Best) to V (Functional).

For the printing attributes:

■ Demerits are assigned if specified tolerances are exceeded.

■ When an individual copy has an Average Demerit Level (ADL) of more than 4.0 (4 per page), the copy is 

assessed a major defect.

■ If a conspicuous single page defect is present, a single major defect can be assessed to the appropriate 

printing attribute, even if the ADL is 4.0 or less.

For the other attributes (excluding paper): 

■ Major or critical defects can be assessed.

For the paper attribute:

■ Demerits are assessed in accordance with Government Paper Specification Standards. 

■ If the demerits equal 31 or more, a major defect is assessed.

Loss of Information for any reason is assessed a critical defect.

Total Defects are the sum of major and critical defects in the entire sample inspected.

The Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) is the maximum number of defects per 100 units the Government will tolerate 

the risk of accepting at the contract price.

■ A typical AQL is 1.0 for critical defects and 6.5 for total defects.

Acceptance Sampling, an alternative to inspecting every unit in the lot, can be used to determine if the entire lot 

meets the AQL.

■ The appropriate sample size for determining a representative sample is derived by using ANSI/ASQC 

Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes (version in effect as of date of 

award).

If the defects exceed either or both AQLs:

■ The Government has the option of having the lot replaced or corrected if possible, or accepting the lot with 

an equitable reduction in the contract price.

END OF INFORMATIONAL FOREWARD
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 1

QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM (QATAP)

INTRODUCTION

1. DEFINITIONS

1–1. Quality Attribute

A quality attribute is a property of a product which affects its quality. Examples are trim size, image position, type 

quality, and paper.

1–2. Lot or Batch

A lot or batch is a quantity of copies of a publication from which a sample is drawn. A lot or batch consists of 

copies which are produced under essentially the same conditions and at essentially the same time.

1–3. Critical Defect

A critical defect is a serious deviation from specifications. Critical defects are designated in the tolerance tables 

for finishing attributes.

1–4. Major Defect

A major defect is a deviation from specifications which is less serious than a critical defect. Major defects are 

designated in the tolerance tables for printing attributes, finishing attributes, and the paper attribute.

1–5. Total Defects

Total defects are the sum of all critical and all major defects; e.g., 3 critical defects + 2 major defects = 5 total 

defects.

1–6. Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs)

The AQLs are the maximum number of defects per 100 copies that the Government will accept at the contract 

price. Unless otherwise specified, the AQLs are 1.0 for critical defects and 6.5 for total defects.

1–7. Quality Levels (QLs)

The QLs specify the degree of quality required in the final product. QATAP contains five QLs ranging from Level I 

(Best) to Level V (Functional). Generally, tolerances for attributes vary with the QL.

1–8. Inspection Levels

The inspection levels are the means used to determine the relationship between the lot or batch size and the 

minimum sample size. Inspection Levels will be specified in accordance with ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling 

Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes (version in effect as of date of award). 
2 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

1–9. Specified Standards

The specified standards are the criteria on which printing attributes P–7, P–8, P–9, and P–10 are evaluated. For 

example, process color match (P–10) might be evaluated by comparing a printed illustration with an “OK’d press 

sheet.” In this example, the “OK’d press sheet” would be listed in the specifications as the specified standard for 

printing attribute P–10.

STANDARDS WILL BE SPECIFIED FOR THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES: 

P–7 Type Quality and Uniformity

P–8 Halftone Match

P–9 Solid or Screen Tint Color Match 

P–10 Process Color Match

1–10. Average Demerit Levels (ADLs)

ADLs are one of the means used to classify defects for printing attributes.

1–11. Standard Viewing Conditions

Standard viewing conditions are those defined in ISO 3664:2009, Graphic Technology and Photography 

Viewing Conditions.

2. EVALUATION OF QUALITY

a. QATAP establishes attributes for quality, and it defines tolerances for those attributes for five Quality 

Levels of printing. When attributes deviate from the allowable tolerances, the deviations will be classified 

as either major or critical defects pursuant to the applicable tolerance table.

b. Attributes which are not identified as quality attributes under QATAP, e.g., stitching position will be evaluated 

in accordance with the article entitled “Quality” in GPO Contract Terms, Solicitation Provisions, 

Supplemental Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 (Rev. 01-18).

3. DETERMINING ACCEPTABILITY

Because inspection of all copies of a publication is usually impractical, the Government will utilize statistical 

sampling to determine quality. When the Government determines that both the number of critical defects and 

the number of total defects in the lot or batch do not exceed their respective AQLs, the lot or batch will be 

accepted at the contract price. ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by 

Attributes, will be used to make this determination.

If the defects exceed either or both AQLs, the Government will have the option of having the lot or batch 

replaced, having the defects corrected, or accepting the lot or batch with an equitable reduction in the contract 
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 3

price. The discount tables contained in Appendices A and B will be used as a guide by the Contracting Officer 

to determine reductions. Failure to agree to such reduction of price shall be a dispute concerning a question 

of fact within the meaning of the article entitled “Disputes” of GPO Contract Terms, Solicitation Provisions, 

Supplemental Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 (Rev. 01-18). In all cases, it is the intent of the 

Government that the products meet the quality requirements in the specifications.

4. CATEGORIES OF ATTRIBUTES

Quality attributes are divided into three categories which consist of printing attributes, finishing attributes, and 

the paper attribute.

4–1. Printing Attributes

For each copy that is inspected, the Government will evaluate each applicable printing attribute by separately 

inspecting:

a. outside covers, i.e., the spine and Covers 1 and 4

b. text, i.e., pages and Covers 2 and 3

Note:

All attributes apply to any printing process, i.e., offset, screen, flexo, digital. Any reference to ink throughout this 

document is meant to include digital ink, i.e. toner, pigment. 

ADLs WILL BE DETERMINED AS FOLLOWS:

(i) Outside covers will be inspected and evaluated as one unit. The unit will be assessed demerits (i.e., 4, 

20, 100) pursuant to the demerit table for each printing attribute that deviates from specifications. The 

demerits which are assessed constitute the ADL for outside covers for that printing attribute for that copy.

(ii) The text will be evaluated by inspecting pages (each page is an individual unit), Cover 2, and Cover 3 as 

individual units. Each unit will be assessed demerits (i.e., 4, 20, 100) pursuant to the demerit table for each 

printing attribute that deviates from specifications. The demerits which are assessed will be summed, and 

each sum will be divided by the number of individual units that were inspected for that printing attribute. 

The quotient constitutes the ADL for text for that printing attribute for that copy.

(iii) In each copy, the ADLs for each printing attribute will be classified as follows:

Tolerance Table for Printing Attributes

ADLs Classifications of Defect

4 or less for both outside covers and text None

More than 4 for either or both outside covers and text Major
4 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

CONSPICUOUS SINGLE PAGE DEFECTS

When one or more pages have been assessed demerits for a printing attribute, but the ADL does not exceed 4, a 

single major defect will be assessed for that printing attribute if one or more pages is so conspicuously defective 

that it significantly impairs the quality of the entire copy. Examples include a large hickey at the focal point of 

an illustration, a single page with extremely light (but legible) type, large ink spots, large oil spots, large offcolor 

spots in illustrations, and P–10: Quality Level 1 serious shift.

4–2. Finishing Attributes

The Government will evaluate finishing attributes by inspecting individual copies of the product. When each copy 

is inspected, each applicable finishing attribute that deviates from specifications will be classified as either a 

critical or major defect in accordance with the tolerance table for that attribute.

4–3. Paper Attribute

The Government will evaluate the paper attribute by inspecting and testing paper characteristics in individual 

copies of the product. The paper characteristics will be tested in accordance with the current edition of 

Government Paper Specification Standards which is published by the Joint Committee on Printing. When 

each copy is inspected, paper that deviates from specifications will be assessed a major defect.

Tolerance Table for the Paper Attribute

Sum of Demerits Classification of Defect

Less than 31 None

31 or more Major

5. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL (GFM)

Defects will not be assessed for deviations from specifications which are caused by GFM if the contractor 

notifies the Government prior to production that the GFM is not satisfactory.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 5

Definition

Hickies and spots are small deformities, specks, or 

other imperfections on a page, cover, or spine, which 

result from the printing or reproduction process. 

Examples

Ink spatter, hickies caused by dirty blankets, or spots 

due to paper picking.

Instruments

1. Magnifier with scale graduated in increments of 

0.005”

2. Tappi Dirt Estimation Chart 

Procedure

Evaluate hickies, off-color spots, and ink spots in 

accordance with the table below.

EXCEPTION

■ Controlled manufacturer marks from digital 

printing, do not apply to this defect.

Diameter Count

Less than 0.04” 1

0.04 to but not including 0.08” 3

0.08 through 0.12” 15

Greater than 0.12” 45

Demerit Table for Hickies and/or Spots

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 5 to and including 10 counts 4

11 to and including 20 counts 20

Greater than 20 counts 100

Level II 10 to and including 15 counts 4 

16 to and including 25 counts 20

Greater than 25 counts 100

Level III 15 to and including 20 counts 4

21 to and including 30 counts 20

Greater than 30 counts 100

Level IV 20 to and including 25 counts 4

Greater than 25 counts 20

Level V Not applicable 

P–1 HICKIES AND SPOTS

PRINTING ATTRIBUTES
6 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Definition

Extraneous marks are undesirable marks which are 

not hickies or spots. There are two categories of 

deviations.

Examples

Lines due to plate scratches, scumming, tinting, wheel 

marks, oil marks, and ink bleed-through. Showthrough is not evaluated under this attribute. 

Category 1

These are marks which are readable on a densitometer 

and which cover an area measuring more than 1⁄4” at 

their smallest dimension. Examples are scumming, set 

off, and smearing.

Category 2

These are marks that do not fall into Category 1. 

Examples are roller marks, gear marks, lines due to 

scratches on plate, and ink bleed-through. These are 

classified according to seriousness as follows:

LIGHT MARKS

Marks which are visible under standard viewing 

conditions and which slightly detract from the 

appearance of a page. Examples are visible marks 

measuring less than 0.010 square inch in total area.

MEDIUM MARKS

Marks that moderately detract from the appearance of 

a page. Examples are visible marks measuring between 

0.010 and 0.020 square inch in total area.

HEAVY MARKS

Marks that seriously detract from the appearance of a 

page. Examples are marks greater than 0.020 square 

inch in total area. 

EXCEPTION TO CATEGORIES 1 & 2

■ Marks caused by foreign matter such as oil will 

always be classified as heavy marks. 

Instruments

1. Reflection Densitometer

2. Ruler graduated in 0.10” 

3. Tappi Dirt Estimation Chart

Procedures

Category 1

1. Use a reflection densitometer with the filter 

giving the highest reading.

2. Measure the three areas of greatest density in 

the mark.

3. Compute the average and assign demerits on 

the average.

Category 2

1. Visually inspect the marks under standard 

viewing conditions.

2. Classify the marks based on the above criteria. 

3. Measure area of mark only if there is a dispute 

regarding the classification.

Demerit Assessment

Assess demerits on the more defective of the two 

categories. A maximum of 100 demerits will be 

assessed per category, per page.

P–2 EXTRANEOUS MARKS
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 7

Demerit Table for Category 1 Extraneous Marks

Quality Level Demerits

Level I Visible to but not including 0.01 density 4

0.01 through and including 0.02 density 20

Greater than 0.02 density 100

Level II 0.01 to but not including 0.02 density 4 

0.02 through and including 0.03 density 20

Greater than 0.03 density 100

Level III 0.02 to but not including 0.03 density 4

0.03 through and including 0.04 density 20

Greater than 0.04 density 100

Level IV 0.03 to but not including 0.04 density 4

0.04 through and including 0.05 density 20

Greater than 0.05 density 100

Level V Not applicable

Demerit Table for Category 2 Extraneous Marks

Quality Level Demerits

Level I Light Marks 20

Medium Marks 100

Heavy Marks 100

Level II Light Marks 4 

Medium Marks 20

Heavy Marks 100

Level III Light Marks 4

Medium Marks 20

Heavy Marks 100

Level IV Light Marks 4

Medium Marks 4

Heavy Marks 20

Level V Not applicable

P–2 EXTRANEOUS MARKS (CONTINUED)
8 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Definition

Moire is defined as objectionable patterns which are 

created when halftone screens are printed over one 

another at incorrect screen angles.

AVOIDABLE MOIRE

Avoidable moire is moire that is due to poor production 

methods rather than the inherent limitations of 

the process (e.g., 15 degree yellow screen angle, 

rescreened halftones).

Procedure

Visually examine halftone under standard viewing 

conditions.

Demerit Table for Moire

Quality Level Demerits

Level I Any avoidable moire 100

Level II Any avoidable moire 100

Level III Any avoidable moire 20

Level IV Any avoidable moire 20

Level V Not applicable

P–3 MOIRE
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 9

Definition

Register is the alignment of two or more image 

components. There are two categories of deviation.

Category 1

Multicolor Halftone Register (Internal and/or Border)

Category 2

Solids, Linework, and Continuous Tone Register 

Instrument

Magnifier with scale graduated in increments of 

0.005”

Procedures

Category 1 

1. Establish the measuring base by determining 

two colors in register within 1/2 row. 

2. Sum the rows of misregister for all colors. 

3. Use the sum to assign demerits. 

EXCEPTIONS TO CATEGORY 1

■ If three or more colors are used and no two 

colors register within one row, assign 100 

demerits to that page.

■ If more than one illustration appears on a page, 

assess demerits only on the most defective 

illustration. 

Category 2 

1. Establish the measuring base by determining 

two colors in register within 0.004”. 

2. Using a magnifier with a graduated scale, measure 

the misregister for each color in inches. 

3. Sum the measurements of misregister for all 

colors. 

4. Use the sum to assign demerits. 

EXCEPTION TO CATEGORY 2

■ If no two colors are in register within 0.004”, 

select as the measuring base the color which 

will result in the smallest number of demerits.

Demerit Assessment

A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per 

category, per page.

P–4 REGISTER
10 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Demerit Table for Category 2—Solids, Linework, and Continuous Tone

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 0.004” to but not including 0.008” 4

0.008” through and including 0.012” 20

Greater than 0.012” 100

Level II 0.004” to but not including 0.008” 4

0.008” through and including 0.012” 20

Greater than 0.012” 100

Level III 0.008” to but not including 0.012” 4

0.012” through and including 0.016” 20

Greater than 0.016” 100

Level IV 0.016” to but not including 0.020” 4

0.020” through and including 0.024” 20

Greater than 0.024” 100

Level V Not applicable

Demerit Table for Category 1—Multicolor Halftone Register

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 0.5 through and including 1 row 20

Greater than 1 row 100

Level II 0.5 to but not including 1 row 4

1 through and including 2 rows 20

Greater than 2 rows 100

Level III 1 to but not including 2 rows 4

2 through and including 3 rows 20

Greater than 3 rows 100

Level IV 2 through and including 3 rows 4

Greater than 3 rows 20

Level V Not applicable

P–4 REGISTER (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 11

Definition

There are two categories of deviations.

Category 1

MISPLACEMENT

Misplacement is the linear displacement of the image 

between the specified and actual position.

Category 2

SKEWNESS

Skewness is the angular displacement of the image in 

relation to the edges of the page.

Examples

Unintentional bleeds, incorrect placement of text, and 

improper alignment of two-page spreads.

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10”

Procedures

Category 1

Using a ruler, determine the vertical and horizontal 

deviations of the printed image position from the 

specified position. Assess demerits on the greater 

deviation.

EXCEPTIONS TO CATEGORY 1

■ Image Bleeds: If either a specified image bleed 

does not occur or an unspecified image bleed 

does occur, assess 100 demerits for Levels I, II, 

and III, and 20 demerits for Level IV. 

■ Facing Pages: When the vertical deviations of 

facing pages are in opposite directions from 

the specified position, calculate the sum of 

the measurements of both deviations. Using 

the demerit table for misplacement, assess 

demerits based on the combination of the two 

pages.

For example: In a Level III book, one margin is 3/32” 

high and the facing page margin is 1/16” low. Assess a 

total of 20 demerits to the two pages combined based 

on the sum of 5/32”.

Category 2

Measure the distance from the printed image to the 

edge of the page at two points on the same edge, 

exactly 5” apart (see illustration). Calculate the 

difference between the two measurements (D1-D2) 

and assess demerits based on this difference. If a 

5” distance is not available, extend the edges of the 

copy and the image to 5”.

Demerit Assessment

A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per 

category, per page.

P–5 TEXT AND ILLUSTRATION IMAGE POSITION

D1

D2

5 inches

(127 millimeters)
12 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Demerit Table for Category 1—Misplacement

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 1/32” to but not including 1/16” 4

1/16” through and including 1/8” 20

Greater than 1/8” 100

Level II 1/32” to but not including 1/16” 4 

1/16” through and including 1/8” 20

Greater than 1/8” 100

Level III 1/16” to but not including 1/8” 4

1/8” through and including 3/16” 20

Greater than 3/16” 100

Level IV 1/16” to but not including 1/8” 4

1/8” through and including 3/16” 20

Greater than 3/16” 100

Level V Not applicable

Demerit Table for Category 2—Skewness

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 0.02” to but not including 0.04” 4

0.04” through and including 0.07” 20

Greater than 0.07” 100

Level II 0.02” to but not including 0.04” 4 

0.04” through and including 0.07” 20

Greater than 0.07” 100

Level III 0.02” to but not including 0.07” 4

0.07” through and including 0.12” 20

Greater than 0.12” 100

Level IV 0.04” to but not including 0.09” 4

0.09” through and including 0.18” 20

Greater than 0.18” 100

Level V Not applicable

P–5 TEXT AND ILLUSTRATION IMAGE POSITION (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 13

The previous P–6 attribute has been omitted 

from this version as a result of changes in 

technology.

P–6 RESERVED
14 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Definition

Type quality and uniformity is the line width and ink 

density of line illustrations and type. There are four 

categories of deviation.

NOTE: These tolerances will also be used for line width 

and density of line illustration.

Category 1

Minimum Type Density (maximum % reflectance)

Category 2

Variation in Type Density (% reflectance) between facing 

pages, within a page, or from an Ok’d press sheet

Category 3

Deviation in Type Dimension from the specified standard

Category 4

Broken Characters

Instruments

1. Print Contrast Meter (% reflectance convertible 

to density)

2. 8x type size finder

3. 50x microscope with reticle calibrated to 0.001”

Procedures

Category 1

Inspect each page visually to locate minimum type 

density (maximum % reflectance). Make dry readings 

of the three lightest characters with a print contrast 

meter. Compute the average of the readings. Use the 

calculation to assess demerits based on the table 

below.

Category 2

Compare measurements for each individual page 

inspected: 

a. against a % reflectance reading for its 

facing page

b. against each other for variation within a 

page

c. against those of an Ok’d press sheet

EXCEPTION FOR CATEGORIES 1 & 2

■ Type printed with colored ink will be evaluated 

for visible density variation between facing 

pages, within a page, or between the page 

and the specified standard listed for attribute 

P–9 Solid or Screen Tint Color Match. Each 

page containing any of these variations will be 

assessed 100 demerits at Levels I and II, 20 

demerits at Levels III and IV.

Category 3

Evaluate type dimension by comparing measurements 

of the finished publication with the specified standard. 

Use the 50x microscope or print contrast meter to 

measure type dimensions. Tolerances are based on 

the maximum deviation from the specified standard. 

Category 4

Count the number of broken characters on each page.

Demerit Assessment

A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per 

category, per page.

P–7 TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 15

Demerit Table for Category 1—Minimum Type Density

Quality Level Demerits

Level I Gloss 5% reflectance to and including 10% 4

11% reflectance to and including 15% 20

16% reflectance or greater 100

Matte 7% reflectance to and including 10% 4 

11% reflectance to and including 15% 20

16% reflectance or greater 100

Level II Gloss 6% reflectance to and including 12% 4

13% reflectance to and including 17% 20

18% reflectance or greater 100

Matte 8% reflectance to and including 12% 4

13% reflectance to and including 17% 20

18% reflectance or greater 100

Uncoated 11% reflectance to and including 13% 4

14% reflectance to and including 18% 20

19% reflectance or greater 100

Level III Gloss 7% reflectance to and including 13% 4

14% reflectance to and including 18% 20

19% reflectance or greater 100

Matte 9% reflectance to and including 13% 4

14% reflectance to and including 18% 20

19% reflectance or greater 100

Uncoated 13% reflectance to and including 14% 4

15% reflectance to and including 19% 20

20% reflectance or greater 100

Level IV Gloss 9% reflectance to and including 14% 4

15% reflectance to and including 19% 20

20% reflectance or greater 100

Matte 11% reflectance to and including 14% 4

15% reflectance to and including 19% 20

20% reflectance or greater 100

Uncoated 16% reflectance to and including 19% 4

20% reflectance to and including 24% 20

25% reflectance or greater 100

Newsprint 20% reflectance to and including 24% 4

25% reflectance to and including 29% 20

30% reflectance or greater 100

Level V Not applicable

P–7 TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY (CONTINUED)
16 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Equivalent Densities for Percent Reflectance

Percent Reflectance Density

2 1.70

3 1.52

4 1.40

5 1.30

6 1.22

7 1.15

8 1.10

9 1.05

10 1.00

11 0.96

12 0.92

13 0.89

14 0.85

15 0.82

16 0.80

17 0.77

18 0.74

19 0.72

20 0.70

21 0.68

22 0.66

23 0.64

24 0.62

25 0.60

26 0.59

27 0.57

28 0.55

29 0.54

30 0.52

P–7 TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 17

Demerit Table for Category 2—Variation in Type Density

Quality Level Between facing pages, within a page, or from an Ok’d 

Press Sheet

Demerits

Level I 2% to but not including 3% reflectance 4

3% through and including 4% reflectance 20

Greater than 4% reflectance 100

Level II 3% to but not including 4% reflectance 4 

4% through and including 5% reflectance 20

Greater than 5% reflectance 100

Level III 3% to but not including 4% reflectance 4

4% through and including 5% reflectance 20

Greater than 5% reflectance 100

Level IV 4% to but not including 5% reflectance 4

5% through and including 6% reflectance 20

Greater than 6% reflectance 100

Level V Not applicable

Demerit Table for Category 3—Type Dimension*

Quality Level *1 point equals 0.0138” Demerits

Level I 0.002” to but not including 0.003” 4

0.003” through and including 0.004” 20

Greater than 0.004” 100

Level II 0.002” to but not including 0.003” 4 

0.003” through and including 0.004” 20

Greater than 0.004” 100

Level III 0.003” to but not including 0.004” 4

0.004” through and including 0.005” 20

Greater than 0.005” 100

Level IV 0.004” to but not including 0.005” 4

0.005” through and including 0.006” 20

Greater than 0.006” 100

Level V Not applicable

P–7 TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY (CONTINUED)
18 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Demerit Table for Category 4—Broken Characters

Quality Level Demerits

Level I 1 to 2 broken characters 4

3 to 5 broken characters 20

Greater than 5 broken characters 100

Level II 1 to 2 broken characters 4 

3 to 5 broken characters 20

Greater than 5 broken characters 100

Level III 2 to 3 broken characters 4

4 to 6 broken characters 20

Greater than 5 broken characters 100

Level IV 6 to 8 broken characters 4

Greater than 8 broken characters 20

Level V Not applicable

P–7 TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 19

Definition

Halftone match is the fidelity of detail between the 

single or multicolor continuous-tone image and the 

specified standard. There are three categories of 

specified standards.

NOTE: For process-color continuous-tone images, 

refer to P–10.

Category 1

Ok’d Press Sheet or Prior to Production Sample

Category 2

Approved Proof: Excludes content proofs

Category 3

Government Furnished Material (GFM), e.g., electronic 

files, camera copy, film negatives.

Instruments 

1. Reflection densitometer

2. Magnifier

Procedures 

Category 1

a. Make a densitometer reading in an area with 

solid ink density.

i. For single-impression halftones, use the 

densitometer filter that indicates the highest 

total density.

ii. For two-color duotones, make comparative 

densitometer readings with the two filters 

that indicate the highest readings.

b. If the Ok’d press sheet or prior to production 

sample is the specified standard:

i. Zero densitometer to the paper.

ii. Make comparative dry measurements 

between the standard and the reproduction 

in corresponding highlight, midtone, and 

shadow areas.

Categories 2 & 3

a. Determine the shift in detail between the 

specified standard and the printed sample in 

the highlight, midtone, and shadow areas.

b. The shift in detail will fall into the following three 

categories:

i. Perceptible shift: A slight shift in detail 

between the specified standard and the 

sample, that is perceptible under standard 

viewing conditions but is not large enough 

to be classified as objectionable. 

Example: shift of detail in a non-focal point; 

e.g., clouds, background object.

ii. Objectionable shift: A shift in detail 

between the specified standard and the 

sample causing a definite change in detail. 

Example: shift of detail in a focal point; e.g., 

suit lapels, facial detail.

iii. Serious shift: A major shift in detail between 

the specified standard and the sample 

causing misrepresentation or loss of 

identity. 

Example: loss of detail creating illegible 

department seal, plugged shadows or 

washed-out highlights.

P–8 HALFTONE MATCH
20 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Demerit Assessment: 

1. If a visible density shift occurs in a single 

illustration that occupies a two-page spread, for 

each page assess 100 demerits at Levels I and 

II, and 20 demerits at Levels III and IV.

2. A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed 

per page.

For category 1 only: 

Assess 20 demerits if highlight or shadow dot 

structure is not maintained in the reproduction and 100 

demerits if detail is lost. However, normal dropout of 

extreme highlights is acceptable.

Assess 20 demerits for excessive compression of 

highlights or shadows e.g., midtone shifts.

Demerit Table for Highlights

Highlight densities are measured from an area of not less than 

0.15 density on the Ok’d Press Sheet

Quality Level Demerits

Level I ± 0.03 to but not including ± 0.04 4

± 0.04 through and including ± 0.05 20

Greater than ± 0.05 100

Level II ± 0.04 to but not including ± 0.05 4 

± 0.05 through and including ± 0.06 20

Greater than ± 0.06 100

Level III ± 0.06 to but not including ± 0.07 4

± 0.07 through and including ± 0.08 20

Greater than ± 0.08 100

Level IV ± 0.07 to but not including ± 0.08 4

± 0.08 through and including ± 0.09 20

Greater than ± 0.09 100

Level V Not applicable

P–8 HALFTONE MATCH (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 21

P–8 HALFTONE MATCH (CONTINUED)

Demerit Table for Midtones

Midtone densities are measured from an area 

between 0.45 to 0.60 on the Ok’d Press Sheet

Quality Level Demerits

Level I ± 0.10 to but not including ± 0.11 4

± 0.11 through and including ± 0.12 20

Greater than ± 0.12 100

Level II ± 0.11 to but not including ± 0.12 4 

± 0.12 through and including ± 0.13 20

Greater than ± 0.13 100

Level III ± 0.12 to but not including ± 0.15 4

± 0.15 through and including ± 0.20 20

Greater than ± 0.20 100

Level IV ± 0.15 to but not including ± 0.20 4

± 0.20 through and including ± 0.25 20

Greater than ± 0.25 100

Level V Not applicable

Demerit Table for Shadows*

Quality Level Demerits

Level I -0.02 to but not including -0.06 4

-0.06 through and including -0.12 20

Greater than -0.12 100

Level II -0.02 to but not including -0.09 4 

-0.08 through and including -0.16 20

Greater than -0.16 100

Level III -0.02 to but not including -0.10 4

-0.10 through and including -0.20 20

Greater than -0.20 100

Level IV -0.02 to but not including -0.10 4

-0.10 through and including -0.25 20

Greater than -0.25 100

Level V Not applicable
22 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

*Tolerances in the shadow areas are based on the 

following solid ink densities:

Single Impression Black Halftones

Coated Stock 1.40

Uncoated Stock 1.10

P–8 HALFTONE MATCH (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 23

Definition

Solid or screen tint color match is the density deviation 

between the reproduction and the specified standard. 

There are three categories of deviation.

Category 1 

Single Color Solid or Tint

Category 2

Multicolor Solid or Tint

Category 1 

Process Color Solid or Tint

Instrument

Reflection densitometer

Procedures

Procedure for Categories 1 & 2

Make a dry comparative densitometer reading using 

the filter that will indicate the highest density.

EXCEPTION TO CATEGORIES 1 & 2

■ If a visible density shift occurs within or 

between, solid or tint (on a single page or on 

a two-page spread), assign 100 demerits at 

Levels I and II, and 20 demerits at Levels III and 

IV will be assessed for each page.

Procedure for Category 3

Use the scoring system for P–10 Process Color Match 

to determine demerits.

P–9 SOLID OR SCREEN TINT COLOR MATCH

Demerit Table for Solid and/or Screen Tint

Quality Level Demerits

Level I ± 0.05 to but not including ± 0.10 density 4

± 0.10 through and including ± 0.15 density 20

Greater than ± 0.15 density 100

Visible variation within a solid 100

Level II ± 0.07 to but not including ± 0.12 density 4 

± 0.12 through and including ± 0.17 density 20

Greater than ± 0.17 density 100

Visible variation within a solid 100

Level III ± 0.09 to but not including ± 0.14 density 4

± 0.14 through and including ± 0.19 density 20

Greater than ± 0.19 density 100

Visible variation within a solid 20

Level IV ± 0.12 to but not including ± 0.17 density 4

± 0.17 through and including ± 0.22 density 20

Greater than ± 0.22 density 100

Visible variation within a solid 20

Level Not applicable
24 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Definition

Process color match is the fidelity of color match 

between the item being inspected and the specified 

standard. There are three categories of deviation.

Category 1

PERCEPTIBLE

A perceptible shift is a shift in color between the 

specified standard and the sample that is perceptible 

under standard viewing conditions but is not large 

enough to be classified as objectionable.

Category 2

OBJECTIONABLE

An objectionable shift is a shift between the specified 

standard and the sample causing a definite color 

change. Examples are fleshtones shifting slightly 

towards a yellow or magenta hue, green grass taking 

on a yellow or cyan cast, browns turning slightly 

reddish or yellowish, and overall density change.

Category 3

SERIOUS

A serious shift is a major shift in color between 

the specified standard and the sample causing 

inaccuracy, misrepresentation, or loss of identity. 

Examples are fleshtones, browns, and grays turning 

green or purple, green grass turning brown or 

magenta, plugged shadows, or washed out highlights. 

Instrument

Densitometer

Procedures

1. Compare sample with specified standard for 

shifts in hue, saturation, and lightness under 

standard viewing conditions.

2. When a sample of production run press sheets 

(fan) is required: 

a. Assess demerits to each page.

b. Combine corresponding sample number 

from all fans to construct a set of 

“equivalent books.”

c. Calculate an ADL for each equivalent book.

Demerit Assessment

A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per page.

P–10 PROCESS COLOR MATCH
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 25

Demerit Table for Process Color Match

Quality Level Demerits

Level I Perceptible shift 20

Objectionable shift 100

Serious shift Major Defect

Level II Perceptible shift 4 

Objectionable shift 20

Serious shift 100

Level III Objectionable shift 20

Serious shift 100

Level IV Objectionable shift 20

Serious shift 100

Level V Not applicable

P–10 PROCESS COLOR MATCH (CONTINUED)
26 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Definition

Rub resistance is the resistance of the printed image 

to smearing onto similar stock when rubbed with that 

stock. There are two categories of deviation.

Category 1

Rub-Resistance of Uncoated Image

Category 2

Rub-Resistance of Coated Image

NOTE: Coated includes the use of varnish, aqueous, 

and UV.

Instruments

1. Reflection Densitometer

2. Rub Tester (Sutherland or equivalent)

Procedures

Category 1

1. Calibrate the densitometer to the blank strip of 

stock.

2. Test a representative sample of the printed 

product on the Rub Tester. Give a 3” x 6” 

printed sample 25 rubs at a pressure of 1.0 P.S.I. 

against a 2” x 5 1⁄4” blank strip of stock similar to 

that on which the sample is printed.

3. Make three density readings in the area of 

highest density on the blank 2” x 5 1⁄4” test strip. 

Use the densitometer filter which indicates the 

maximum density for the color of ink used in the 

printed sample.

4. Calculate an average density for the rub-off 

smear based on the three independent density 

readings.

5. Perform all tests at least 72 hours after the 

printing operation.

Category 2

Follow the same procedure as Category 1 with the 

exception that each sample will be given 50 rubs at a 

pressure of 1.0 P.S.I.

Demerit Table for Category 1—Uncoated Image

Quality Level Demerits

All Levels Type 0.04 to but not including 0.05 density 4

0.05 through and including 0.06 density 20

Greater than 0.06 density 100

All Levels Halftones 0.05 to but not including 0.06 density 4

0.06 through and including 0.07 density 20

Greater than 0.07 density 100

All Levels Solids 0.06 to but not including 0.07 density 4

0.07 through and including 0.08 density 20

Greater than 0.08 density 100

P–11 RUB RESISTANCE OF PRINTED IMAGE
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 27

P–11 RUB-RESISTANCE OF PRINTED IMAGE (CONTINUED)

Demerit Table for Category 2—Coated Image

Quality Level Demerits

All Levels 0.12 to but not including 0.14 density 4

0.14 through and including 0.16 density 20

Greater than 0.16 density 100
28 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 29

FINISHING ATTRIBUTES

F–1 TRIM SIZE

Definition

Trim size is the vertical and horizontal dimensions of 

the products. There are three categories of deviation. 

Category 1

Nonspecified trim size (finish size) is any deviation in 

the specified horizontal or vertical trim size.

Category 2

Nonflush trim is any variation in length or width within 

a copy. 

Category 3

Unsquare trim is the angular misalignment of the 

trimmed edges of a copy.

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10” 

Procedures

Category 1

Determine the largest deviations of the horizontal and 

vertical trim from the specified finish size. Classify the 

defect based on these deviations.

Category 2

Determine the largest deviations in length and width 

between two pages in the copy. Classify the defect 

based on the greater deviation. 

Category 3 

1. Draw a line perpendicular to the edge where the 

maximum angular misalignment occurs (see 

diagrams).

2. Measure distances D1 and D2 from this line to 

the edge that should be parallel to it. 

3. Classify the defect based on the value of D1-D2.

Defect Assessment

Classify a single defect based on the most defective of 

the three categories.

D1

D2

5 inches

(127 millimeters)

D1

D2

5 inches

(127 millimeters)

Perpendicular Line Perpendicular Line
30 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Tolerance Table for Category 1 Nonspecified Trim Size & Category 2 Nonflush Trim

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 1/16” Major

Level II Greater than 3/32” Major

Level III Greater than 1/8” Major

Level IV Greater than 1/8” Major

Level V Greater than 1/8” Major

Tolerance Table for Category 3 Unsquare Trim

Quality Level (D1-D2 at 5” distance) Defect

Level I Greater than .04” Major

Level II Greater than .04” Major

Level III Greater than .07” Major

Level IV Greater than .09” Major

Level V Greater than .09” Major

F–1 TRIM SIZE (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 31

F–2 MISPLACEMENT AND MISALIGNMENT OF COVER IMAGE

Definition

There are two categories of deviation. 

Category 1

Misplacement is the difference between the specified 

and actual location of a printed image on a cover.

Category 2

Misalignment is the angular displacement from 

specifications of a printed image on a cover. 

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10”

Procedures

Category 1

Measure both vertical and horizontal margins for 

conformance to specified dimensions. Classify the 

defect based on the greatest deviation.

Category 2

Measure the distance from the printed image to 

the edge of the cover at two points on the same 

edge exactly 5” (see illustration). If a 5” distance 

is not available on the copy being inspected, 

extend the image and edge of the cover on a blank 

sheet. Calculate the difference between the two 

measurements (D1-D2). Classify the defect based on 

this difference.

Defect Assessment

Classify a single defect based on the more defective of 

the two categories.

D1

D2

5 inches

(127 millimeters) Printed Image
32 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Tolerance Table for Category 1 Misplacement of Cover Image

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 1/16” Major

Level II Greater than 1/16” Major

Level III Greater than 3/32” Major

Level IV Greater than 3/32” Major

Level V Greater than 1/8” Major

Tolerance Table for Category 2 Misalignment of Cover Image

Quality Level (D1-D2 at 5” distance) Defect

Level I Greater than .04” Major

Level II Greater than .04” Major

Level III Greater than .07” Major

Level IV Greater than .09” Major

Level V Greater than .09” Major

F–2 MISPLACEMENT AND MISALIGNMENT OF COVER IMAGE (CONTINUED)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 33

F–3 COVER POSITION

Definition

Cover position is the position of the text pages in 

relation to the cover. 

1. Cover and text page overlap is defined as a 

misalignment or misplacement of the text pages 

in relation to the cover to such a degree that the 

text pages and cover are not flush.

2. Text pages flush with case is defined as a 

misalignment or misplacement of the text pages 

and/or endleaves in relation to the case to such 

a degree that the text pages and/or endleaves 

extend to the edge of the case.

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10” 

Procedure

Measure the distance from the edge of the cover to the 

endleaf or text at the shortest point.

Tolerance Table for Cover Position

Quality Level Defect

All Levels Any overlap of cover or text pages Critical

Less than or equal to 1/16” to the point where the text 

pages and/or endleaf is flush with the case

Major
34 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

F–4 FOLDING POSITION AND SKEWNESS

Definition

There are two categories for folding.

Category 1

A deviation in folding position is the difference 

between the specified and actual positon of a fold.

Category 2

Folding skewness is the angular displacement of a fold 

from the specified position. 

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10”

Procedures

Category 1

Measure the maximum deviation of the fold from the 

specified position.

Category 2

Measure the distance from the fold to the specified 

fold line at two points exactly 5” apart. If a 5” distance 

is not available, extend the two lines on a blank sheet. 

Calculate the difference in the two measurements and 

classify the defect on this value.

Defect Assessment

Classify a single defect based on the more defective of 

the two categories.

Tolerance Table for Category 1 Deviation in Folding Position

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 1/16” Major

Level II Greater than 1/16” Major

Level III Greater than 1/16” Major

Level IV Greater than 3/32” Major

Level V Greater than 3/32” Major

Tolerance Table for Category 2 Folding Skewness

Quality Level (D1-D2 at 5” distance) Defect

Level I Greater than 0.18” Major

Level II Greater than 0.18” Major

Level III Greater than 0.18” Major

Level IV Greater than 0.26” Major

Level V Greater than 0.26” Major
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 35

F–5 PERFECT-BOUND BOOK DURABILITY

Definition

Perfect-bound book durability is defined as the ability 

of the adhesive bound book to endure tests that 

simulate normal usage of the book during its expected 

useful life. Four tests will be used*.

Test 1

Subway Test

Test 2

Page Pull Test

Test 3

Page Flex Test

*An individual book should not be used in more than 

one of the tests.

Instruments

1. Page Pull Tester

2. Flex Tester

Procedures

Test 1

Open the book completely and bring the covers 

back to back. Perform this test in a minimum of three 

places: 1⁄4, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4 of the way through the book.

Test 2

Test pages for the pounds of pull per inch of backbone 

required to separate the page from the adhesive line. 

Perform this test in a minimum of three places: 1⁄4, 

1⁄2, and 3⁄4 of the way through the book. The defect is

classified based on the lowest pull value of the pages 

tested. 

Test 3

Flex a page with 2.5 pounds (1,134 gm) of pull until the 

page separates from the adhesive line or reaches 126 

flexes. Perform this test in a minimum of three places: 

1⁄4, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4 of the way through the book. Record the

exact page numbers chosen for the test. If a test page 

separates from the adhesive line, retest that area of the 

book by moving 10 pages (5 leaves) in either direction 

from the original location of the defective page. Two 

failures are required in a book before a defect is 

assessed and the test may be terminated when two 

pages fail. The defect is classified by using the lowest 

number of flexes for any of the selected locations in 

the book. 

NOTE: Failure of individual pages in tests 2 and 3 at a 

point other than the adhesive line will not be classified 

as a defect in the perfect binding.

Defect Assessment

Only the most serious defect resulting from the tests 

above will be classified. For example, if a page pull is a 

major defect and page flex is a critical defect, the book 

would be assessed a single critical defect.
36 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

F–5 PERFECT-BOUND BOOK DURABILITY (CONTINUED)

Tolerance Table for Test 1 Subway Test

Quality Level Defect

All Levels Any loosening of pages at any location Critical

Tolerance Table for Test 2 Page Pull Test

Quality Level Defect

All Levels 2.0 lbs per inch of backbone to and including 1.5 lbs per 

inch of backbone

Major

Less than 1.5 lbs per inch of backbone Critical

Tolerance Table for Test 3 Page Flex Test

Quality Level Defect

All Levels 125 to and including 75 flexes Major

Less than 75 flexes Critical
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 37

F–6 LOOSE COVER, PAGES, AND BINDING

Definition

Loose covers are defined as covers which are 

inadequately attached to the text. There are three 

categories.

Category 1

Case-bound Cover

Category 2

Glued Cover

Category 3

Sewn or Stitched Cover

Procedures

Category 1

Inspect end sheets for wrinkles, bubbles, tears, 

looseness, tears in the gutter, and improper 

adherence of end sheets to cover. Inspect cover for 

looseness of binding materials such as headbands, 

backing, and crash. 

Category 2

Inspect the cover and text to determine that they 

adhere to the spine at all points.

Category 3

Inspect for any looseness of the cover or text due to any 

improper stitching, sewing, and /or any signature starts. 

Tolerance Table for Category 1 Case-bound

Quality Level Defect

All Levels Wrinkles or bubbles in end sheets, end sheets loose or 

torn around the edges (with the cover securely fastened), 

or any looseness of binding materials

Major

End sheets not glued securely all the way to the joint, or 

end sheet torn in gutter

Critical

Tolerance Table for Category 2 Glued Cover

Quality Level Defect

All Levels Any looseness of cover or text Major

Any separation of cover or text from book Critical

Tolerance Table for Category 3 Sewn or Stitched Cover

Quality Level Defect

All Levels Any looseness of cover or text due to stitches or thread 

and/or any signature starts

Major

Any separation of cover or text from book Critical
38 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

F–7 EXCESS GLUE

Definition

Excess glue is defined as glue which is visible on the 

outside edge or the inside of the cover and/or text. 

This also includes damage affecting printed image or 

text.

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10”

Procedure 

1. Hold the ruler perpendicular to the glue line. 

2. Measure the glue line at the point of maximum 

spread to determine the classification.

3. For perfect-bound publications, inspect spine 

for nail-head effect. Measure spine then 

subtract face of publication. 

Tolerance Table for Excess Glue

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 1/16” Major

Level II Greater than 1/16” Major

Level III Greater than 1/8” Major

Level IV Greater than 1/8” Major

Level V Greater than 1/8” Major

All Levels Any damage from glue affecting print Critical
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 39

F–8 DAMAGED PAGES

Definition

Damaged pages consists of four categories.

Category 1

Wrinkles radiating from the fold of a book

Category 2

Dog-ears and wrinkles greater than 1/8” at width

Category 3

Connected pages, e.g., are glue splatter or untrimmed 

signatures

Category 4

Torn pages

Procedure

Calculate the percentage of damaged pages in relation 

to the number of pages in the book.

Defect Assessment

Classify a single defect based on the most defective of 

the categories.

Tolerance Table for Category 1 Wrinkles

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 5% Major

Level II Greater than 8% Major

Level III Greater than 12% Major

Level IV Greater than 15% Major

Level V Greater than 25% Major

Tolerance Table for Category 2 Dog-Ears and Wrinkles Greater than 1/8”

Quality Level Defect

Level I A single dog-ear or greater than 1% wrinkle Major

Level II Greater than 2% Major

Level III Greater than 3% Major

Level IV Greater than 5% Major

Level V Greater than 7% Major

Tolerance Table for Categories 3 Connected Pages and 4 Torn Pages

Quality Level Defect

Level I A single connected or torn page Major

Level II Greater than 2% Major

Level III Greater than 5% Major

Level IV Greater than 7% Major

Level V Greater than 10% Major
40 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

F–9 DAMAGED EDGES

Definition

Examples of damaged edges are untrimmed 

signatures and edges which are feathered, ragged, or 

burred.

Instrument

Clear plastic grid consisting of 1⁄4” squares

Procedures 

1. Measure damaged edges by placing the clear 

plastic grid over the entire edge where the 

damage is located.

2. Count the number of squares which cover the 

damage.

3. Calculate the percentage of squares containing 

the damage in relation to the number of squares 

within the entire edge.

Defect Assessment

Classify the defect based on the edge of the copy that 

contains the most damage.

Tolerance Table for Damaged Edges

Quality Level Defect

Level I Any visible burred, feathered, or ragged edges Major

Any untrimmed signatures Critical

Level II Greater than 5% burred, feathered, or ragged edges Major

Any untrimmed signatures Major

Level III Greater than 10% burred, feathered, or ragged edges Major

Any untrimmed signatures Major

Level IV Greater than 15% burred, feathered, or ragged edges Major

Any untrimmed signatures Major

Level V Greater than 25% burred, feathered, or ragged edges Major

Any untrimmed signatures Major
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 41

F–10 WARPAGE

Definition

Warpage is defined as a deviation of any page or cover 

from the horizontal plane formed by a copy when lying 

on a flat surface.

Instrument

Ruler graduated in 0.10” 

Procedure

Place the copy on a flat surface. Measure the 

maximum deviation perpendicular to the flat surface.

Tolerance Table for Warpage

Quality Level Defect

Level I Greater than 0.03” Major

Level II Greater than 0.03” Major

Level III Greater than 0.04” Major

Level IV Greater than 0.1” Major

Level V Greater than 0.12” Major

Cover Point of Maximum Vertical Deviation

Cover
42 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

F–11 DAMAGED COVERS

Definition

There are four categories of deviation.

Category 1

Wrinkles are ridges, furrows, or creases formed on the 

smooth surface of the spine or cover.

EXCEPTION TO CATEGORY 1

■ Wrinkles in the spine of perfect-bound books 

are classified under a separate tolerance table.

Category 2

Bubbles are liftings of the covering on the surface of 

the cover or spine.

Category 3

Cuts are breaches in a cover which expose paper or 

cloth fibers.

Category 4

Scratches are blemishes which are visible under 

standard viewing conditions and which do not expose 

any paper or cloth fibers.

Instrument

Clear plastic grid consisting of 1⁄4” squares

Procedures

1. Measure damaged covers by placing the clear 

plastic grid over the entire surface of the book 

where the damage is located.

2. Count the number of squares which cover the 

damage.

3. Calculate the percentage of squares that cover 

the damage in relation to the number of squares 

within the entire area.

Defect Assessment

Classify the defect based on the side (Cover 1, Cover 4, 

or spine) of the copy that contains the most damage.

Tolerance Table for Damaged Covers*

Quality Level Defect

Level I Any visible wrinkles, bubbles, or scratches Major

Any cuts Critical

Level II Any visible wrinkles, bubbles, or scratches Major

Any cuts Critical

Level III Greater than 10% wrinkles, bubbles, or scratches Major

Any cuts Major

Level IV Greater than 15% wrinkles, bubbles, or scratches Major

Any cuts Major

Level V Any cuts Major

*Note: See following table regarding wrinkles in spine of perfect-bound books.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 43

Tolerance Table for Wrinkles on Spine of Perfect-Bound Books

Quality Level Defect

Level I Any visible wrinkles (standard viewing conditions) Major

Level II Greater than 5% Major

Level III Greater than 10% Major

Level IV Greater than 15% Major

Level V Greater than 20% Major

F–11 DAMAGED COVERS (CONTINUED)
44 | GPO CONTRACT TERMS

Tolerance Table for Miscellaneous Finishing Attributes

Attribute QL Defect

F–12 Missing Pages All Critical

F–13 Upside-Down Cover All Critical

F–14 Upside-Down Pages All Critical

F–15 Unspecified Blank Pages All Critical

F–16 Wrong Pagination All Critical

F–17 Loss of Information* All Critical

F–18 Reserved**

*Loss of Information is defined as any omission of or damage to the printed image which impairs the 

transmission of the intended information.

** The previous F–18 attribute has been incorporated into P–10.

F–12 THROUGH F–18 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FINISHING ATTRIBUTES
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 45

GUIDE FOR EQUITABLE REDUCTIONS

A GUIDE FOR EQUITABLE REDUCTIONS IN THE CONTRACT PRICE

As a guide, reductions in the contract price will be based on the defects in the sample and will be calculated as 

follows:

a. A discount for critical defects will be determined from the table in Table A.

b. A discount for major defects will be determined from the table in Table B.

c. The contract price will be reduced by the sum of the two discounts. However, the total reduction in the 

contract price will not exceed 25%. Tables A & B list discounts as percentages of the contract price.

TABLE A 

Discount Table for Critical Defects

TABLE A

Discount Table for Critical Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Critical Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

1 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ....... ...... ......

2 20.0 12.9 7.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ....... ......

3 25 25 21.9 13.2 7.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ......

4 25 25 25 23.0 13.6 8.3 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

5 25 25 25 25 20.2 12.6 7.4 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

6 25 25 25 25 25 17.2 10.2 6.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

7 25 25 25 25 25 22.0 13.2 8.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

8 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.3 9.9 5.7 5.0 5.0 5.0

9 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.5 12.0 7.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

10 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.8 14.1 8.3 5.0 5.0 5.0

11 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.2 9.6 5.6 5.0 5.0

12 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.4 10.9 6.5 5.0 5.0

13 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.5 12.3 7.4 5.0 5.0

14 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.8 13.7 8.2 5.0 5.0

15 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.1 9.1 5.2 5.0

16 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.5 10.0 5.7 5.0

17 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.9 11.0 6.3 5.0

18 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.3 11.9 6.9 5.0

19 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.8 12.8 7.5 5.0

20 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.2 13.7 8.0 5.0

21 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.7 14.7 8.6 5.0
46 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

TABLE A

Discount Table for Critical Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Critical Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

22 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.6 9.2 5.3

23 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.5 9.8 5.7

24 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.5 10.4 6.1

25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.4 11.0 6.5

26 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4 11.6 6.8

27 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.4 12.2 7.2

28 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.3 12.8 7.6

29 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.3 13.4 8.0

30 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.2 14.0 8.4

31 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.2 14.6 8.7

32 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.2 9.1

33 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.8 9.5

34 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.4 9.9

35 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.0 10.3

36 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.7 10.7

37 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.3 11.1

38 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.9 11.5

39 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.5 11.9

40 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.1 12.3

41 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.8 12.7

42 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.4 13.1

43 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.0 13.5

44 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.6 13.8

45 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.3 14.2

46 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.9 14.6

47 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.5 15.0

48 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.4

49 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.7

50 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.1

51 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.6

52 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.0

53 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.4

54 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.8

55 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.2

TABLE A 

Discount Table for Critical Defects (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 47

TABLE A

Discount Table for Critical Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Critical Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

56 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.6

57 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.0

58 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4

59 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.8

60 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.2

61 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.6

62 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.0

63 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.4

64 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.8

65 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.2

66 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.6

67 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.0

68 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.4

69 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.8

70 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.3

71 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.7

72 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

TABLE A 

Discount Table for Critical Defects (continued)
48 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

TABLE B

Discount Table for Major Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Major Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

1 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ....... ....... ...... ...... ......

2 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ....... ....... ...... ......

3 9.8 5.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ....... ....... ......

4 17.7 11.2 5.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ....... .......

5 25 16.9 9.4 5.2 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... .......

6 25 23.0 13.1 7.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

7 25 25 16.9 9.9 5.4 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

8 25 25 20.9 12.4 6.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ......

9 25 25 25 14.9 8.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ......

10 25 25 25 17.5 10.1 5.9 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ...... ......

11 25 25 25 20.2 11.7 7.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ......

12 25 25 25 22.9 13.4 8.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ......

13 25 25 25 25 15.0 9.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ......

14 25 25 25 25 16.7 10.2 5.7 5.0 5.0 ...... ...... ......

15 25 25 25 25 18.5 11.4 6.4 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

16 25 25 25 25 20.2 12.5 7.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

17 25 25 25 25 21.9 13.6 7.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

18 25 25 25 25 23.7 14.8 8.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 ....... ......

19 25 25 25 25 25 15.9 9.3 5.3 5.0 5.0 ....... .......

20 25 25 25 25 25 17.1 10.0 5.7 5.0 5.0 ...... .......

21 25 25 25 25 25 18.2 10.7 6.2 5.0 5.0 ...... ......

22 25 25 25 25 25 19.4 11.4 6.7 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

23 25 25 25 25 25 20.6 12.2 7.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

24 25 25 25 25 25 21.8 12.9 7.6 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

25 25 25 25 25 25 23.0 13.7 8.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

26 25 25 25 25 25 24.2 14.4 8.6 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

27 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.2 9.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 ......

28 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.9 9.5 5.2 5.0 5.0 ......

29 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.7 10.0 5.6 5.0 5.0 .......

30 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.4 10.5 5.9 5.0 5.0 .......

31 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.2 11.0 6.2 5.0 5.0 5.0

32 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.9 11.5 6.5 5.0 5.0 5.0

33 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.7 11.9 6.8 5.0 5.0 5.0

34 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.5 12.4 7.1 5.0 5.0 5.0

TABLE B 

Discount Table for Major Defects
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 49

TABLE B

Discount Table for Major Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Major Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

35 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.2 12.9 7.4 5.0 5.0 5.0

36 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.0 13.4 7.7 5.0 5.0 5.0

37 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.8 13.9 8.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

38 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.6 14.4 8.3 5.0 5.0 5.0

39 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.3 14.9 8.6 5.0 5.0 5.0

40 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.4 8.9 5.0 5.0 5.0

41 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.9 9.2 5.2 5.0 5.0

42 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.4 9.5 5.4 5.0 5.0

43 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.9 9.9 5.6 5.0 5.0

44 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.4 10.2 5.8 5.0 5.0

45 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.9 10.5 6.0 5.0 5.0

46 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.4 10.8 6.2 5.0 5.0

47 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.9 11.1 6.4 5.0 5.0

48 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4 11.4 6.6 5.0 5.0

49 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.8 11.7 6.8 5.0 5.0

50 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.3 12.0 7.0 5.0 5.0

51 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.8 12.3 7.2 5.0 5.0

52 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.3 12.6 7.4 5.0 5.0

53 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.8 12.9 7.6 5.0 5.0

54 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.3 13.3 7.8 5.0 5.0

55 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.8 13.6 8.0 5.0 5.0

56 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.3 13.9 8.2 5.0 5.0

57 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.8 14.2 8.4 5.0 5.0

58 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.3 14.5 8.6 5.0 5.0

59 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.9 14.8 8.8 5.0 5.0

60 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.2 9.0 5.0 5.0

61 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.5 9.2 5.1 5.0

62 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.8 9.4 5.2 5.0

63 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.1 9.6 5.3 5.0

64 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.4 9.9 5.5 5.0

65 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.8 10.1 5.6 5.0

66 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.1 10.3 5.7 5.0

67 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.4 10.5 5.8 5.0

68 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.7 10.7 6.0 5.0

TABLE B 

Discount Table For Major Defects (continued)
50 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

TABLE B

Discount Table for Major Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Major Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

69 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.0 10.9 6.1 5.0

70 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.4 11.1 6.2 5.0

71 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.7 11.3 6.4 5.0

72 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.0 11.5 6.5 5.0

73 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.3 11.7 6.6 5.0

74 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.7 11.9 6.7 5.0

75 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.0 12.1 6.9 5.0

76 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.3 12.3 7.0 5.0

77 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.6 12.5 7.1 5.0

78 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.9 12.7 7.3 5.0

79 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.3 12.9 7.4 5.0

80 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.6 13.2 7.5 5.0

81 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.9 13.4 7.7 5.0

82 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.2 13.6 7.8 5.0

83 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.6 13.8 7.9 5.0

84 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.9 14.0 8.0 5.0

85 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.2 14.2 8.2 5.0

86 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.5 14.4 8.3 5.0

87 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.9 14.6 8.4 5.0

88 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.2 14.8 8.6 5.0

89 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.5 15.0 8.7 5.0

90 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.8 15.2 8.8 5.0

91 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.4 9.0 5.0

92 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.7 9.1 5.1

93 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.9 9.2 5.2

94 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.1 9.3 5.3

95 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.3 9.5 5.3

96 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.5 9.6 5.4

97 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.7 9.7 5.5

98 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.9 9.9 5.6

99 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.1 10.0 5.7

100 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.3 10.1 5.8

101 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.5 10.3 5.8

102 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.7 10.4 5.9

103 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.0 10.5 6.0

TABLE B

Discount Table For Major Defects (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 51

TABLE B

Discount Table for Major Defects [In percent]

Number of 

Major Defects

Number of Copies in Sample

2 3 5 8 13 20 32 50 80 125 200 315

104 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.2 10.7 6.1

105 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.4 10.8 6.2

106 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.6 10.9 6.3

107 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.8 11.1 6.3

108 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.0 11.2 6.4

109 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.2 11.3 6.5

110 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4 11.4 6.6

120 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.5 12.8 7.4

130 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.7 14.1 8.3

140 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.4 9.1

150 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.7 10.0

160 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.1 10.8

170 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4 11.7

180 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.8 12.5

190 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.1 13.4

200 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.4 14.2

210 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.8 15.1

220 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 15.9

230 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 16.8

240 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 17.6

250 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 18.5

260 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 19.4

270 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 20.2

280 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.1

290 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 21.9

300 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 22.8

310 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 23.7

320 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 24.5

330 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25.0

TABLE B 

Discount Table For Major Defects (continued)
52 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index 

Instructions for Using This Index

This index refers readers to attributes in this 

publication and sections in GPO Contract 

Terms, Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental 

Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 (Rev. 

01-18). The four types of references used in the index 

are explained below. 

1. Items Covered By QATAP

If QATAP covers a problem, the applicable printing (P) 

or finishing (F) attribute number is shown. If an item is 

listed under two different categories, two entries are 

shown. 

Example: 

Copy

unreadable. . . . . 

Note: QATAP does NOT cover multiple-part forms, 

marginally-punched forms, or specialty items.

Paper problems do not show an attribute number, only 

a category number.

Conspicuous single page defects can apply to 

numerous problems, and thus are not referenced for 

any items; see page 4.

2. Items Specifically Covered By GPO Contract 

Terms, Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental 

Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 

(Rev. 01-18)

If a subject is not covered in QATAP but is specifically 

addressed in the GPO Contract Terms, Solicitation 

Provisions, Supplemental Specifications, and 

Contract Clauses 310.2 (Rev. 01-18), CT and an item 

number is shown.

Example: 

Banding

not sealed. . .

3. Items Covered By GPO Contract Terms, 

Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental 

Specifications, and Contract Clauses 310.2 (Rev. 

01-18)

If a subject is not specifically addressed in either 

document, but would be covered by the General 

Quality, Section 2(b), CT2 is shown.

Example: 

Laminating

wrinkled. . 

4. Items Covered By Specifications

If the subject is addressed in the specifications or 

other contract documents of the job (amendments to 

Purchase Orders, etc.), NPS (not per specifications) is 

shown.

Example: 

Quality Assurance Samples

missing specifications. . 

THIS INDEX IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 

IT IS NOT PART OF THE CONTRACT.

This index has been compiled to assist readers in determining if, and where, a specific printing or binding 

problem is addressed in this publication. It is suggested that this information be read before using the index.
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 53

Adhesive

excessive. . 

not durable. . . . .

Backstrip

missing copy. . . 

Banding

broken. . .

not done. . .

too narrow. . .

wrong quantity  . 

Bar Coding

missing. . .

not readable. . .

numbering—

not consecutive. . 

wrong system. . 

Binding

loose pages. . . . .

wrong kind. . 

wrong position. . 

Blank Pages

additional. . .

missing copy. . .

Bleed

not occurring. . 

unintentional. . 

Bleed Through. . 

Blue Box Sample

missing certificate. . 

missing specifications. . 

not supplied. . 

shortage. . 

Broken Type. . 

Bundles

breaking open. . .

not tied. . .

not wrapped. . .

unlabeled. . 

Cartons

broken. . 

contractor advertising. . 

improper packing. . 

mislabeled. . 

not packed solidly. . 

not taped securely. . 

wrong size. . 

wrong weight. . 

Case-Bound Books

cover creases. . .

cover damage. . .

cover furrows. . .

cover ridges. . .

cover warped. . .

cover wrinkles. . .

durability. . 

extra blank pages. . .

loose end sheets. . 

loose pages. . 

missing pages. . .

sewing missing. . 

spine creases. . .

spine furrows. . .

spine ridges. . .

spine wrinkles. . .

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
54 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

sewing broken. . 

torn end sheets. . 

torn pages. . 

upside-down cover. . .

upside-down pages. . .

warpage. . .

wrong pagination. . .

Collation

wrong. . .

Contractor Advertising

on carton. . 

on label. . 

Contractor ID

on product. . 

Copy

missing because of—

finishing. . .

ink loss. . .

too dark. . 

too light. . 

unreadable. . .

wrong pagination. . .

Covers

cut. . .

damaged. . .

loose. . 

missing. . .

missing copy. . .

not square. . 

not flush. . 

scratched. . .

scuffed. . . . . .

stitches loose. . 

upside-down. . .

wrinkled. . .

wrong binding. . 

wrong ink color. . 

wrong paper. . 

wrong position. . 

Cover Image

misaligned. . 

misplaced. . 

missing. . .

skewed. . 

wrong position. . 

Crossover

color mismatched. . . . .

misaligned. . 

Damaged

cover. . .

cover (warped). . .

pages. . 

text edges. . 

text pages. . 

Delivery

late. . 

mislabeled. . .

pallets—

not used. . 

wrong packing. . 

short. . .

wrong place. . 

Die Cutting

missing. . 

out of register. . 

skewed. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 55

wrong die. . 

Distribution

shipment not made. . 

wrong labeling. . 

wrong product shipped. . 

wrong quantity shipped. . 

Dog-Eared

cover. . .

pages. . 

Doubling. . 

Drilling

missing. . 

wrong place. . 

wrong size. . 

Duotone

missing color. . 

moire. . 

out of register. . 

Edges

damaged—

text. . 

cover. . .

Embossing

missing. . 

out of register. . 

skewed. . . . . . .

wrong position. . . . . . .

End Sheets

loose. . 

missing. . 

torn. . 

Envelopes 

glue—

not holding. . 

prestuck. . 

wrong place. . 

stuck together. . 

warped. . 

Excess Glue. . 

Extraneous Marks

bleed through. . 

gear marks. . 

hickies. . 

ink bleed through. . 

oil marks. . 

plate scratches. . .

scratches. . . . .

scumming. . 

setoff. . 

show through. . 

smearing. . 

spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 

strike-through. . 

Facing Pages

color mismatched. . . . . . . .

misaligned. . . . .

Foil Stamping

missing. . 

not adhering. . . . . 

out of register  . .

skewed. . . . .

wrong color. . 

wrong die. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
56 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

wrong position. . 

Folding

not square. . 

skewed. . 

undesired. . 

wrinkles. . . . . 

wrong kind. . 

wrong position. . 

Folio Numbers

missing. . .

skewed. . 

wrong number. . .

wrong position. . . . .

Forms

packing: wrong number order. . .

parts misaligned. . . 

perforation—

missing. . 

skewed. . 

stub perforation missing. . . 

tenting. . 

wrinkled. . 

wrong numbering. . 

wrong packing. . 

wrong stub. . 

Furnished Material 

not returned. . .

not used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NPS

Gas Ghosting. . 

Gear—

marks. . 

streaks. . 

Ghosting. . . . .

GPO Imprint

missing. . 

wrong copy. . 

Glue

excess. . 

missing. . . . .

not durable. . 

not holding. . . . .

Halftones 

bleed—

not occurring. . 

unintentional. . 

blurred. . 

contrast—

too contrasty. . 

too flat. . 

density—

not matched. . 

too dark. . 

too light. . 

detail lost. . . . . 

flopped. . 

misaligned. . 

misplaced. . 

missing. . .

missing captions. . . 

mottled. . .

multicolor register. . 

not matched. . 

plugged. . 

skewed. . 

upside-down. . 

wrong caption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F–17

wrong cropping. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 57

wrong image. . .

wrong position. . 

wrong size. . 

Hickies. . 

Hole Drilling

missing. . 

wrong number. . 

wrong position. . 

wrong size. . 

Illustrations (line) (See also Halftones)

bleed—

not occurring. . 

unintentional. . 

flopped. . 

misaligned. . 

misplaced. . . . .

missing. . .

missing caption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F–17

multicolor register. . 

skewed. . 

upside-down. . 

wrong caption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F–17

wrong cropping. . 

wrong image. . . . . 

wrong position. . 

wrong size. . 

Image Position 

bleeds—

not occurring. . 

unintentional. . 

misaligned. . . . .

misplaced. . . . .

skewed. . . . .

Image Ruboff. . .

Image Transfer (forms)

desired (not occuring properly)—

NCR. . 

OPAS. . 

undesired. . 

wrong position. . 

Imposition: wrong. . .

Incorrect Information Printed. . .

Information Loss

due to finishing. . .

due to ink loss. . .

Ink

bleed through. . 

chalking. . 

color not matched. . . . .

cracking. . . . . 

density not matched. . 

doubling. . . . . . . .

extraneous marks. . 

fading. . 

ghosting. . 

missing. . . . . 

mottled. . 

not matching. . 

offset. . 

register. . 

rub resistance. . .

scuffing. . .

scumming. . . . .

setoff. . 

showthrough. . 

smearing. . . . .

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
58 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

spatter. . 

spots  . 

streaking. . . . . . . .

strike through. . 

tinting. . . . .

too dark. . . . .

too light. . . . .

trapping. . . . .

wheel marks. . 

wrong color. . . . .

wrong position. . 

Inserting

backwards. . 

upside-down. . 

wrong item. . 

wrong order. . 

wrong position. . 

Line Work

misregister. . 

Labeling

contractor advertising. . 

missing. . 

wrong information. . 

wrong place. . 

wrong type of label. . 

Laminating

separating. . 

wrinkled. . 

Loose

binding. . 

cover. . 

text pages. . 

Mailing

wrong class. . 

wrong labels. . 

wrong name match. . 

wrong order in carrier. . 

wrong postage. . 

wrong sorting. . 

Mailing Container

not supplied. . 

number taped over. . .

not snug. . .

wrong flute. . .

Marginally Punched Forms

copy misaligned. . . 

missing copy. . 

parts misaligned. . . 

tenting. . 

wrong copy. . 

wrong packing. . 

Marking. . 

Misaligned Image. . . . .

Misplaced Image. . . . .

Misregister

duotones. . 

halftones. . 

linework and solids. . 

process color. . 

Multipart Forms

parts not matching. . 

Moire. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 59

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)

Packing incorrect  . 

Padding

excess glue. . . . .

loose sheets. . 

missing backing. . 

wrong backing. . 

wrong number/pad. . 

Pages

blank. . . . . .

connected. . . . .

cut. . 

damaged. . 

damaged edges. . 

loose. . . . .

misnumbered. . .

missing. . .

not trimmed. . . . .

torn. . 

untrimmed. . . . .

upside-down. . .

wrinkled. . 

wrong imposition. . .

Pagination

excess blanks. . .

missing blanks. . .

missing pages. . .

wrong imposition. . .

wrong pagination. . .

Paper

sample not matched. . 

scratches in coating. . 

spots due to picking. . . . .

uneven thickness. . 

unsquare trim. . 

wrong brightness. . 

wrong color. . 

wrong kind. . 

wrong opacity. . 

wrong thickness. . 

wrong weight. . 

Perfect-Bound Books

cover creases. . .

cover furrows. . .

cover wrinkles. . .

damaged cover. . .

damaged edges. . 

damaged pages. . 

durability. . 

excess glue. . 

extra blank pages. . .

loose binding. . 

loose covers. . 

loose pages. . . . .

missing pages. . .

spine wrinkles. . .

torn pages. . 

upside-down cover. . .

upside-down pages. . .

wrong pagination. . .

Perforation

missing. . 

wrong place. . 

wrong size. . 

Photographs. . . . . . . .

Press Sheet

color not matched. . . . .

corrections not made. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NPS

halftones not matched. . 
60 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

process color not matched. . .

Process Color

match. . .

register. . 

shift. . .

Proof

correction not made. . .

missing proofs  . 

not proofread. . . 

poor reproduction. . . 

Quality Assurance Copies

missing certificate. . 

missing purchase order.. . 

not sent. . 

Readacross 

1 color—

image not matched. . 

color not matched. . . . .

4 color—

image not matched. . 

color not matched  . .

halftone—

image not matched. . 

ink not matched. . 

Register

halftone. . 

line work. . 

process color. . 

Reverses

filled in. . 

not occurring. . 

Roller marks. . 

Round Corners

missing. . 

wrong place. . 

wrong size. . 

Rub Resistance

printed image. . .

varnish. . .

Saddle Stitched Books

cover damage. . .

cover missing. . .

cracked spine ink. . 

dog-eared cover. . .

dog-eared pages. . 

extra blank pages. . .

loose pages. . 

missing pages. . .

stitching—

missing. . 

not done. . 

wrong position. . 

torn pages. . 

upside-down cover. . .

wrong pagination. . .

Samples

missing blue label. . 

missing QARCs. . 

Screens

holes. . 

moire. . 

mottled. . 

not matched. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
GPO PUBLICATION 310.1 | 61

register. . 

wrong density. . 

Scoring

missing. . 

not deep enough. . 

too deep (cutting). . . . . 

skewed. . 

wrong position. . 

Shipping

damage. . 

late delivery. . 

pallets—

missing. . 

wrong packing. . 

wrong pallet. . 

wrong container. . 

Shrink Wrapping

broken open. . .

burned. . .

missing backing. . .

missing component. . .

oversize. . .

torn. . .

wrong quantity. . .

wrong thickness. . .

Shortage

blue label box (randoms). . 

QARC samples. . 

total. . . 

Solid color

match. . 

register. . 

Spine

cracked ink. . 

missing copy. . .

Spots. . 

Stitching (sewn)—

broken. . 

missing. . 

Stitching (wire)—

missing. . 

wrong place. . 

Stock. . . . . 

Tabs

missing copy. . .

wrong copy. . .

wrong shape. . . . 

wrong size. . 

Text

misaligned. . 

missing  . .

misplaced. . 

skewed. . 

upside-down page. . .

wrong pagination. . .

wrong position. . 

wrong trim size. . 

Tints

missing. . 

mottled. . 

not matched. . 

wrong color. . . . .

wrong density. . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)
62 | GPO PUBLICATION 310.1

Trim

nonflush trim. . 

unsquare. . 

untrimmed. . . . .

wrong size. . 

Type

broken. . 

corrections not made. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NPS

missing. . .

not uniform color. . 

not uniform size. . 

too light. . 

uneven density. . 

wrong color. . 

wrong copy. . .

wrong size. . 

Upside-Down

cover. . .

illustration. . 

text pages. . .

Varnish

missing. . 

wrong color. . 

wrong type. . 

wrong place. . 

Warpage. . .

Wrinkled

backstrip. . .

covers. . .

endleaves. . 

pages. . 

spine. . . 

APPENDIX 

Printing and Binding Problem Index (continued)

Cool Gray 11 + PMS 5415

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732 North Capitol Street, NW

Washington, DC 20401-0001

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