1.1 This practice provides standard terms and procedures for describing and characterizing the performance of spectral and filter based instruments designed to measure and compute the colorimetric properties of materials and objects. It does not set the specifications but rather gives the format and process by which specifications can be determined, communicated and verified.

1.2 This practice does not describe methods that are generally applicable to visible-range spectroscopic instruments used for analytical chemistry (UV-VIS spectrophotometers). ASTM Committee E13 on Molecular Spectroscopy and Chromatography includes such procedures in standards under their jurisdiction.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.