ISO 14298-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 14298:2021 — Graphic technology — Management of security printing processes. This International Standard specifies requirements for a security printing management system to be used by organisations producing security printed items (for example banknotes, passports, ID documents, tax stamps and other secure documents) to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and traceability of security printing processes.

Abstract

ISO 14298:2021 defines a minimum set of management-system requirements and controls specifically oriented to security printing. It covers organisational, physical, technical and supply‑chain measures necessary to protect sensitive printing processes and products from unauthorised access, tampering and counterfeiting, while allowing organisations to meet customer security requirements provided these do not conflict with the standard.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 2 August 2021 (Edition 2); Amendment 1 published February 2024 (Climate action changes).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 37.100.01 (Graphic technology)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021)
• Number of pages: 21

Scope

This document specifies requirements for a security printing management system for organisations performing security printing operations. It establishes a framework of controls and management activities (including risk assessment, access control, personnel, physical security, process control, supply‑chain assurance, traceability, and audit) intended to protect security printing processes and deliverables and to ensure customer security requirements are fulfilled insofar as they do not conflict with the standard.

Key topics and requirements

• Establishment and maintenance of a security printing management system tailored to security print operations.
• Risk assessment and treatment specific to threats to printed security items and production processes.
• Physical security of premises, production areas and storage to prevent unauthorised access or diversion.
• Logical and information security controls for design files, workflows and sensitive data (including access control and logging).
• Personnel security: vetting, duties segregation, training and awareness for staff with access to security processes.
• Supply‑chain assurance and control of subcontractors, materials, inks, devices and equipment used in security printing.
• Process control, job security, and secure handling of tools, plates and documents throughout the production lifecycle.
• Traceability, unique identifiers and record-keeping to support investigation and accountability.
• Internal and external audit, management review and continuous improvement of the security printing management system.
• Requirements to ensure customer security requirements are identified and satisfied when not in conflict with the standard.

Typical use and users

ISO 14298 is used by security printers and related organisations involved in the production of banknotes, passports, national ID cards, tax stamps, secure certificates and similar secure documents. Typical users include production managers, security officers, quality managers, procurement and supply‑chain teams, accreditation bodies, certification auditors and customers (e.g., central banks and government document issuers) who require demonstrable controls over the security printing lifecycle.

Related standards

ISO 14298 sits within the ISO/TC 130 (Graphic technology) portfolio. Relevant and commonly associated standards and documents include the withdrawn ISO 14298:2013 (replaced by the 2021 edition), ISO 14298:2021/Amd 1:2024 (amendment addressing climate action changes), quality and information‑security management standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 (for complementary quality and information‑security frameworks), and industry guidance and schemes for security‑printer certification and supply‑chain integrity.

Keywords

security printing, management system, anti‑counterfeiting, supply chain security, traceability, physical security, access control, risk assessment, ISO/TC 130, secure documents, banknotes, passports, ID cards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14298:2021 is an International Standard that specifies requirements for a security printing management system to protect security printing processes and deliverables against unauthorised access, tampering and counterfeiting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers organisational, physical, technical and supply‑chain controls for security printing operations, including risk assessment, personnel and premises security, process controls, traceability, record keeping, audits and the handling of customer security requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Security printers, producers of banknotes and identity documents, security‑ink and substrate suppliers, procurement and compliance teams, certification and accreditation bodies, and customers such as central banks and government document issuers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 edition was withdrawn and superseded by ISO 14298:2021 (published 2 August 2021). An amendment (ISO 14298:2021/Amd 1) addressing climate action changes was published in February 2024. As of 27 February 2026 the 2021 edition with the 2024 amendment is the current published version.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 14298 is part of the ISO/TC 130 (Graphic technology) family of standards and complements other management and information‑security standards (for example ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001). It also follows earlier industry guidance (such as CWA 14641) and is used alongside national and industry certification schemes for security printers.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Security printing, management system, anti‑counterfeiting, supply‑chain assurance, traceability, physical security, access control, risk management.