ISO, or the International Organization for Standardization, is a globally recognized entity that develops and publishes a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards. It is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 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. These standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality. For businesses, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity.
The organization was founded on February 23, 1947, and since then, it has published over 23,000 international standards covering almost all aspects of technology and business. From the standardization of Screw threads to more complex systems like the management and security of information, ISO has extensive reach. These standards influence everything from the quality of the air we breathe to the safety of the food we consume, and even to finer details such as the format of credit cards. ISO's work program ranges from standards for traditional activities, such as agriculture and construction, to the latest technologies, such as digital transformation and the Internet of Things.
ISO standards are developed through a consensus process that involves international experts who negotiate all aspects of the standard, including its scope, key definitions, content, and more. This process is coordinated by various technical committees, each dedicated to a specific subject area. These committees are established based on sectors that need international standardization. For instance, Technical Committee ISO/TC 176 is responsible for Quality Management and Quality Assurance—one of the most widely used standards, the ISO 9001. This inclusive and globally relevant foundation is what makes ISO standards widely accepted and effective.
The impact of adopting ISO standards can be significant for businesses and economies. They facilitate international trade by ensuring compatibility and interoperability between products and services from different markets, thereby removing technical barriers to trade. This standardization allows companies to access global markets more smoothly and consumers to enjoy a broader range of products and services. Moreover, Sustainability standards developed by ISO, like the ISO 14000 family for environmental management, help organizations minimize their environmental impact, comply with applicable laws, and strengthen their market position. ISO's commitment to comprehensive standards fosters innovation and global collaboration, making it a cornerstone in the development of international trade and quality assurance.