This document examines the need for and intent of colour coding of optical fibre cables. Further, this document lists the major colour codes in various regions throughout the world. Noting that decades of discussion of a universal recommended colour coding scheme has failed to bring about an agreement, this document does not intend to promote any listed colour code above any other.

This document includes regional information on the colour coding of units when different from the fibre code, and of jackets to convey information about the types of fibres within, or the types of performance expected. It also includes information on colours beyond the basic 12 set out in IEC 60304.

This document is not a normative document, but, rather, a guide to the subject of colour coding of cables.