I would like to add a note to my previous post on the open matching standard.
The Quality Control, which is a major issue, could be dealt with like this: The producers of compliant products would be required to submit a matching book to the organization governing the standard (let's just call it Standards Organization) in order to be considered for cetfication. The match between the inks and the book would be the sole responsibility of the producer, whereas the book itself could be certified by the organization. This is a two step process: The Standard <match> Matching Book <match> Ink The matching book will, therefore, be considered a sample of products in the same way PANTONE matching book is considered a sample of PANTONE colors. The book would have to be produced using two typical stocks (one coated and one uncoated) of paper prescribed by the organization. Furthermore, the organization could have branches in different countries to simplify submission and reduce the costs of certification. There is a caveat, though. The proces outlined above is meant to simplify the process of certification, rather than guarantee the consistency of products' quality. Therefore, the organization would be risking its reputation by possibly certifying a product that may become non-compliant the next day with no means of enforcing compliancy. But, then again, the same is happening to HACCP, so why worry, eh? :)
