The National Archives is committed to ensuring that Commonwealth records of enduring value are created using materials that will last for the long term.

To that end we actively encourage the manufacture and supply of paper products that meet our standards for archival quality so that these materials are available to Commonwealth agencies. To ensure that these products meet the required standards and are readily identifiable, we have created a 'certification trademark' (pictured here) for archival quality paper and board materials.

A certification trademark is registered with a set of rules relating to its use. In this case, the rules relate to the archival quality of the material and set standards for chemical and physical properties relating to permanence. Wherever you see this trademark, you can be sure that the products meet the National Archives standards for archival quality. 

The National Archives' paper testing facility was recently accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, so wecan test whether suppliers' products meet the specifications set out in the trademark rules.

For its own use, the National Archives buys products that meet the trademark requirements. We also encourage Commonwealth agencies to use such products to create and store records.

A register of authorised trademark users and products is kept at our office in Canberra. Details of the products on the list are available on request.