As indicated in our Licence Agreement, standards cannot be shared with other users or posted on a company intranet. If you wish to do so, please contact your national ISO member, who will be able to offer a suitable licence.

Understanding ISO Licensing Terms and Usage Guidelines

ISO standards aim to streamline processes and ensure quality across industries. To comply with copyright and licensing requirements, users need to understand the different licensing options available for accessing and using ISO standards. This article provides a detailed overview of ISO’s licensing policies and how they apply to individual and organizational users.

Overview of ISO Licensing Options

ISO standards are typically distributed under two main types of licenses:

Single-User Licenses

Definition and Restrictions: Single-user licenses are issued for individual use and are non-transferable. They are often personalized with visible watermarks that identify the licensed user. These licenses cannot be shared with others or converted into multi-user licenses.
Usage: Single-user licenses are designed for personal access and may not be uploaded to organizational servers or shared internally. To extend usage rights to additional users within a team or organization, separate licenses must be purchased for each individual.
Account Non-Transferability: ISO accounts tied to single-user licenses are strictly non-transferable. For instance, if an employee leaves an organization, the account cannot be reassigned to another employee. Instead, the new individual must establish a separate account and obtain the required licenses for their needs.
How to Purchase: Individual licenses can be obtained by visiting the ISO webstore. During checkout, the license must be assigned to a specific user by providing their name and email address.

Multi-User Licenses

Definition and Accessibility: Multi-user licenses allow an organization to make an ISO standard accessible to multiple users. This type of license is ideal for teams or departments that require shared access within an organization.
Acquisition Process: Multi-user licenses cannot be purchased through the standard ISO webstore. Organizations need to negotiate a specific licensing agreement with ISO to obtain this type of access.
Usage Terms: Under a multi-user license, organizations are permitted to upload the licensed document to an internal server for internal access for as long as needed, in compliance with the licensing agreement.
Licensing for Distributed Workforces: For organizations with employees based in multiple countries but headquartered in a specific location, licensing must be arranged through the national ISO member of the headquarters' country. The distributor in the headquarters' location will manage licensing for the organization and provide guidance for international employees.

Licensing and Usage for European Standards (EN ISO)

While ISO issues standards globally, European Standards (EN ISO) are ratified by specific organizations such as CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI. These entities oversee copyright and licensing for EN documents.

Key Guidance: For reproducing any materials (e.g., graphics or photos) from an EN ISO standard in projects such as consumer education, permission must be sought directly from the European Standards Organization managing that particular standard. ISO itself does not approve or sell EN standards.

FAQs and Common Misconceptions

Can a single-user license be shared or upgraded to a multi-user license?

No, single-user licenses are exclusive and non-transferable. To share an ISO document internally, either additional single-user licenses must be purchased or a dedicated multi-user license agreement must be arranged. For example, if an employee with a single-user license leaves an organization, any ongoing orders associated with the account will be canceled. The new user must create their own account, repurchase necessary standards, and proceed accordingly. To purchase an individual license for each team member, visit the ISO webstore and assign the license during the checkout process.

What is the advantage of a multi-user license for organizations?

A multi-user license allows a team to collaboratively access a standard without violating licensing agreements, as organizational access rights are explicitly granted. This ensures compliance while facilitating efficient use of resources.

Account Management Policies and Employee Transitions

Smooth personnel transitions are critical for complying with ISO licensing rules. Clearly define processes for creating accounts and purchasing new licenses for incoming team members to avoid disruptions in standards access.

Can I post the standard I have purchased on the intranet?