Ugra, the Swiss Centre of Competence for Media and Printing Technology and the Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia (GASAA); has signed an exclusive agreement to promote and audit Ugra PSO Certification in Australia and New Zealand.

For over 50 years Ugra has provided technical and standards based research for the graphic arts industry. It is a full member of ISO TC 130 international committee and provides world-wide and independent services; along with products for the assessment and improvement of quality. Ugra certifies materials, persons and companies according to internationally accepted standards or specifications through its PSO programme.

Recognising the importance of printing standards both from a print producer and buyer perspective, GASAA has always helped members and the wider industry meet the challenges and opportunities that repeatability and consistency bring. The GASAA Board is delighted our efforts in connecting with Ugra have resulted in this regional co-operation" said Luke Everingham, GASAA President.

The arrangements now in place with Ugra (a world-wide ISO accrediting body)is another major step in GASAA’s efforts to help the industry embrace international standards. Coupled with the recently launched GASAA Environmental Management Course leading to ISO 14001, the association is taking much of the “leg work” out for graphic communications businesses wishing to adopt ISO standard practices and promote themselves accordingly.” Said Mr Everingham.

GASAA Executive Officer, Garry Knespal is a 25 year veteran of the prepress and print industry who will lead the regional Ugra audit team.

“I am excited about taking a lead role in promoting the Ugra PSO certification to those print firms seeking this highest recognition. Ugra is a great fit for GASAA as we build our capabilities to help the industry with print, environmental and business standards”. Said Mr Knespal.

Ugra Managing Director, Erwin Widmer, said of the regional arrangements with GASAA “while we have a number of selected and individual auditor arrangements around the globe, this is the first time Ugra has appointed an industry organisation to conduct audits on its’ behalf. With GASAA’s database reach of over 13,000 industry contacts of both print buyers and service providers; and its’ longstanding reputation for standards based education we believe the Ugra name and services are well represented in the important Asia/Pacific region.”

For more information about the Ugra/GASAA PSO audit service; and details on several consultancies able to advise on PSO implementation contact GASAA on 1300 131 787 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Ugra

For over 50 years Ugra has provided technical and standards based research for the graphic arts industry. It is a full member of ISO TC 130 international committee and provides independent services and products for the assessment and improvement of quality. Ugra certifies materials, persons and companies according to internationally accepted standards or specifications including:

• Proofer according to ISO 12647-7
• Displays according to ISO 12646
• PDF/X data production according to ISO 15930
• Printing according to ISO 12647

Ugra, it’s self accreditation according to ISO 17025, is dedicated  to standardisation in the printing industry. It represents the Swiss printing industry in ISO TC 130 and collaborates on the standards for the paper industry. In addition, Ugra is a member of the Swiss Standard Association SNV. It provides world-wide independent testing, consulting, expert's assessments, certification and research projects for the industry.