TS 11741

TS 11741 is a standard for business cards used for identification and promotion in formal and private business relations. It focuses on printed cards made of board, the compact communication tools commonly used to present a name, title, organization, and contact details in a clear and orderly way. By defining the material and intended use, the standard distinguishes business cards from other card types.

Material and intended use

The product covered by this standard is a printed card made from board rather than a plain sheet of paper. In everyday professional communication, business cards support quick exchange of contact information and act as a small extension of personal or corporate identity. Their value lies not in volume of information but in concise presentation, where legibility, layout discipline, and consistent branding matter.

What is excluded

• Cards used for other purposes are outside the scope of this standard.
• Cards made from materials other than board are also excluded.
• The standard is centered on the business-card function and does not address other card categories with different uses.

From a general technical perspective, business cards are among the simplest printed communication products. Material choice, print quality, and surface characteristics influence how the card feels in hand, how information is read, and how consistently an organization is presented. This standard defines that basic product class so it is not confused with similar-looking cards serving different purposes.