About ISO

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global, independent, non-governmental organization. ISO brings together experts from around the world to develop consensus-based international standards that make products, services, and processes easier, safer, and better for everyone. Established in 1946, the organization addresses real-world challenges across a diverse range of sectors, including health, information technology, safety, transport, and environmental sustainability.

Standards at ISO are developed through a transparent, inclusive, and consensus-driven process. Experts, nominated by ISO’s national members, collaborate in technical committees to draft and review proposals. All relevant voices are considered during this process, regardless of country or stakeholder group. Voting and structured commentary ensure that each standard reflects a global perspective and practical solutions to shared challenges. The ISO Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, coordinates this work and encourages participation from all regions of the world.

The term "ISO" is derived from the Greek word "isos," which means "equal." This name was chosen to reflect the organization’s mission of promoting consistency, equality, and uniformity in standards worldwide, regardless of language or national context. Unlike acronyms, “ISO” remains unchanged across all languages.

ISO is guided by values of inclusiveness, objectivity, and global participation. The organization embraces input from a wide range of sectors and stakeholders. ISO’s work is focused on delivering value by making lives easier, safer, and better through the development of standards. As a neutral, non-governmental entity, ISO is funded primarily through the sale of standards documents, maintaining independence from outside influence.

ISO standards have a profound influence across a wide range of sectors, including health, information technology, management and services, safety and risk management, transport, energy, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, food and agriculture, materials, building and construction, and engineering. ISO adapts its standardization efforts continuously to address emerging needs and new global challenges.

All interested parties may participate in the ISO standardization process. Industry representatives, regulators, governments, and consumer organizations are encouraged to be involved to ensure that standards remain practical and widely applicable. Information on how to participate is available on the ISO website or through national ISO member bodies.

ISO operates as an independent organization. The funding required for the development and maintenance of international standards is generated through the sale of these documents. This model allows ISO to maintain objectivity and a neutral position in its work.