In early December, GASAA in conjunction with UGRA - the swiss based ISO Colour Certification body will conduct the first full PSO certifying audit in the region based on UGRA’s rigorous ISO standards.

Visiting Australia, to assist GASAA with this first audit will be Ugra Managing Director, Erwin Widmer. The UGRA head is travelling on from audit visits in Asia at the request of GASAA and a member to complete the process before the year’s end.

Subsequent audits will be conducted by GASAA Executive Officer, Garry Knespal and a team of evaluators being engaged to independently review implementation work done by print staff and colour consultants.

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.

While it has 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 Ugra is assured its name and services will be well represented in the region.

Members interested in knowing more about the PSO Colour certification from UGRA should contact Garry Knespal at the GASAA Office.