What Is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)?
Let me explain to you what the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) really is—it's a non-governmental group that develops and publishes quality standards for goods produced and sold across international borders.
The ISO helps make world trade smoother by setting common standards for safety, reliability, and quality. As a consumer, when you see ISO certification, it means the company behind the product meets ISO's minimum international standards. Remember, ISO doesn't certify products themselves; they certify companies whose processes align with their standards in specific areas.
Key Takeaways
Here's what you need to know: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a nongovernmental organization that creates and publishes a broad array of standards for manufacturing and various industries. Its leadership includes one representative from each of the 167 supporting nations. The core goal is to set consistent quality and safety standards for products crossing borders.
Understanding the ISO
The ISO is headquartered in Geneva and was established in 1947. It traces its origins back to the 1920s with the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA), which paused operations during World War II. A United Nations committee then proposed the current organization to take its place.
Today, the ISO influences 167 countries, with each having one representative from its national standards body. We meet annually at a General Assembly to discuss strategic objectives, and there's a 20-person council with rotating members that handles guidance and governance.
ISO Meaning
The name 'ISO' isn't an acronym—it's derived from the ancient Greek word 'ísos,' which means equal or equivalent. The founders chose this short form because the full name would have varying acronyms in different languages.
Activities of the ISO
ISO develops and publishes standards for a huge range of products, materials, and processes. Right now, they've defined more than 24,362 standards, all cataloged in the ISO Standards catalog. This catalog breaks down into areas like healthcare, technology, railway engineering, jewelry, clothing, metallurgy, weapons, paint, civil engineering, agriculture, and aircraft.
Beyond standards, ISO also puts out technical reports, specifications, publicly available specs, technical corrigenda, and guides. Sometimes, the ISO name describes products that meet their standards, like film speed referred to by its ISO number (such as ISO 6, ISO 2240, and ISO 5800).
What Are Some Examples of ISO Standards?
You might encounter ISO standards in things like thermometer calibration, food safety regulations, and the manufacturing of wine glasses. They also cover shoe sizes, musical pitches, security management, and environmental management.
What Are the 2 Most Widely-Used ISO Standards?
The two most adopted ones are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. ISO 9001 sets criteria for quality management systems, while ISO 14001 does the same for environmental management systems.
What Is ISO 9000?
ISO 9000 is a standard centered on quality management and assurance. It's designed for all industries, helping companies develop and maintain their quality systems with focuses on relationship management, customer focus, and leadership.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the ISO sets uniform standards for products distributed worldwide. It establishes consistent rules for quality management, health and safety, energy efficiency, and more. Products themselves aren't ISO certified—it's the companies' manufacturing processes that can earn that certification.
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