Aftermarket toner cartridge standard drafted in German only will weaken global usage, claims Delacamp UK’s General Manager.
Colin Watt, General Manager of Delacamp UK, has 
commented on the new DIN 33 870 standard, remarking that its current single-language policy will reduce its usage as an international standard and prevents input for many individuals and companies.
The DIN 33 870 standard is applicable to toner cartridges and is aimed at “ensuring consistent print quality and trouble-free operation over the entire life of the modules”. The standard recognises steps of processing including cleaning and removing of worn components and the suitability of the used toner cartridge, and quality requirements such as similar toner adhesion and coverage to the original.
Watt remarked: “While welcoming any new standard which will raise the reputation and quality of remanufactured cartridges, it is unfortunate that the new DIN 33 870, unlike the previous version, will not be published in English.
“Similarly, the drafts are only available in German so the statement [from Christian Wernhart, CEO of Embatex AG] stamenet that “the drafting process allows everyone to have input” is not strictly true. It is hoped that it is based on DIN Technical Report #155 but, not being a German speaker, at the moment I cannot verify this.”
Watt also spoke on the ramifications, should the single language policy continue: “The most unfortunate aspect […] is that it prevents the use of the DIN as a reference in international standards and criteria. As an example, all the current and proposed eco-labels need to include some form of performance criteria. Currently the only internationally recognised test methods which are available in multiple language are from ISO.
“Whilst technically valid, the ISO test methods are limited – only cartridge yield is tested, not image quality, consistency or potential damage to the printer – and are horrendously expensive and thus impossible for all but the biggest organisations to implement.
“DIN Technical Report #155 offers a more cost-effective yield test, some evaluation of other parameters such as image consistency and fusing, and is available in English. Unfortunately this document will be withdrawn when DIN 33 870-2 is published, leaving non-German speakers with nothing except ISO.”
Watt closes on imploring others to campaign for a translated standard: “As an industry I feel that we should, through our various organisations, lobby DIN to publish the standard in English so that we can obtain the unification of standards that Mr. Wernhart rightly aspires to.”