A Contract Proof is a color-consistent and legally binding proof according to ISO 12647-7. The Contract Proof is currently the highest proof standard with the narrowest tolerances and is therefore considered a “contract”, i.e. a contract between the proof maker and the printing house.
The quality and performance of a proofing system can be checked and issued by Fogra, for example, with the “Contract Proof Creation” certificate. Companies that are certified by Fogra for the creation of contract proofs may use the FograCert logo. Using the certification number, it is easy to check on the Fogra website for which Proof Standard the certificate was issued and whether it is valid.
Since the certificate is associated with high costs and expires after only one year and must be recertified, many companies shy away from the costs and unfortunately advertise with certificates that are many years old.