RAL is one of the most widespread color matching systems in the world. It is used in all areas of human activity requiring unambiguous indication of a certain color hue.

RAL is the national standard of Germany and was developed by the State Committee on Supply Conditions in 1927. Colors are indicated in the form of a digital code with RAL prefix. In some cases digital code can include letters for clarification.

Currently, RAL system unites the following collections of color layouts: RAL Classic, RAL Design, RAL Effect, RAL Digital and RAL Plastics, each of them to its own purpose.

The main color collection is RAL Classic. It is used in construction, architecture, design, industry, in particular in metallurgy, and currently includes 216 colors, among which there are 15 iridescent, 5 fluorescent and 2 "metallic" hues.