Prof Ved Prakash : For standards users, customers and consumers, ISO means quality, confidence, trust, safety and many other positive values. That is why we and our members care about how ISO’s trademarks are used and whether unauthorized use of the ISO trademarks could mislead, create false impressions, or cause confusion.
We and our members (located in many countries worldwide) will take appropriate action if we consider the misuse of ISO’s trademarks puts our reputation at risk.
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 166 national standards bodies.
Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
You’ll find our Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more about our structure and how we are governed.
In London, in 1946, 65 delegates from 25 countries meet to discuss the future of International Standardization. In 1947, ISO officially comes into existence with 67 technical committees (groups of experts focusing on a specific subject).
ISO TODAY
24060
International Standards covering almost all aspects of technology and manufacturing.
166
Members representing ISO in their country. There is only one member per country.
801
Technical committees and subcommittees to take care of standards develop
International Standard?
An International Standard is a document containing practical information and best practice.
It often describes an agreed way of doing something
or a solution to a global
In short, ISO standards help : Make products compatible, ISO with the goal of ISO standards used everywhere by Demonstrate the benefits of standards and Innovating to meet users’ needs,
Meeting global needs by Deliver ISO standards when the market needs them and Capture future opportunities for international standardization
All voices heard by Strengthen ISO members through capacity building and Advance inclusivity and diversity in the ISO system
In short, ISO standards help : Make products compatible, so they fit and work well with each other. Identify safety issues of products and services, Share good ideas and solutions, technological know-how and best management practices
Examples of standards in our everyday life. The food we purchase is safe to eat thanks to internationally agreed hygiene and safety requirements outlined in standards. Credit cards can be used anywhere because they meet standards that specify the dimensions, technology and communication protocols that can work with dispensers and payment systems.
How do you benefit from International Standards?
Industry:
∙ Become more competitive by offering products and services that are accepted globally
∙ Enter new markets easily
∙ Raise profits by offering products with increased quality, compatibility and safety
∙ Reduce costs by not reinventing the wheel and using available resources better
∙ Benefit from the knowledge and best practice of leading experts around the world
Regulators:
∙ Harmonize regulations across countries to boost global trade
∙ Increase credibility and trust throughout the supply chain
∙ Make it easier for countries to outsource and specialize
Society:
∙ Wider choice of safe and reliable products and services at competitive prices
∙ Best practice and concerted action at the organizational level to practically address global challenges like climate change and sustainability
International Standards are created by the people who will use and be impacted by them. We call them EXPERTS and they come from industry, government, consumer organizations, academia, non- governmental organizations, and more
It is the MEMBERS’ role to identify the experts and ensure an active voice for their country.
he ISO Central Secretariat
– ISO/CS – coordinates the development process and publishes the standards.
We have defined 2030 as a milestone to reflect on our progress and evaluate our fundamental work as an organization. This time frame aligns with the United Nations’ ambitious Global Agenda for 2030, which, as outlined through the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, will require international collaborative effort to become a reality. ISO is built around an ethos of collaboration and believes that standardization plays a key role in transforming our world into a sustainable one
How will ISO seize this opportunity?
- Partner with ISO members, academia and other organizations to promote research on standardization and develop and share knowledge on the impact of International Standards
- Collect data, conduct research and build case studies demonstrating the impact of International Standards
- Use the ISO network to actively promote International Standards and their benefits (with messages supported by research and data), targeting in particular industry leaders and policy makers