ISO standards are developed by extensive groups of experts representing diverse sectors, encompassing everything from everyday products like soaps to complex technologies like spacecraft. Currently, there are more than 250 active technical committees (TCs) that cover every imaginable field.
Each ISO member, which is a national standards body, decides whether and how they want to participate in a given technical committee. There are different participation levels: participating members (P-members) actively engage and vote on standards at various development stages, while observing members (O-members) can follow the work, comment, and provide advice without voting rights.
Experts involved in developing standards usually have practical, field-based knowledge. They are not isolated theorists but professionals who understand the sector’s real challenges and use standardization as a tool to establish a level playing field that benefits all stakeholders.
ISO’s technical work is managed by the Technical Management Board (TMB), which coordinates the establishment of technical committees, appoints committee chairs, and monitors progress. The TMB reports to the ISO Council, ensuring effective governance and oversight of technical activities.
Making sure everyone's voice is heard
ISO is committed to inclusiveness in its standards development. More than three quarters of ISO members are from developing countries, whose engagement ensures that international standards reflect their needs and support their potential.
To facilitate this, ISO provides support such as twinning relationships—partnerships to build the capacity of developing country members.
Consumers also play a vital role in the development process. Since standards often shape product and service characteristics, consumer input helps ensure these meet real needs. Consumers have a voice through the participation of the NGO
Consumers International and consumer representatives in national member committees. ISO’s Committee on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) drives policies to enhance consumer involvement and influence.
Together, these diverse experts and stakeholders enable ISO standards to be developed through a consensus-driven, globally inclusive process that balances practical expertise with broad representation, helping ensure standards are relevant, fair, and effective worldwide.
Learn more: https://www.iso.org/who-develops-standards.html