ISO: International Organization for Standardization
The ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards bodies. Here are detailed insights into ISO:
Foundation and History
Structure
- ISO has a complex structure including the General Assembly, the ISO Council, Technical Committees (TCs), and various sub-committees and working groups where the actual standards development takes place.
- ISO's work is carried out by around 3,368 technical bodies involving over 100,000 experts globally.
Objectives
- To facilitate global trade by providing common standards between nations.
- To ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.
- To support sustainable development, environmental protection, and consumer protection.
Standards Development Process
- The process of creating an ISO Standard involves several stages including proposal, preparation, committee draft, enquiry, approval, and publication.
- Each standard must be approved by at least 75% of the member bodies that vote.
Key Standards
Impact and Relevance
- ISO standards are voluntary, but many are adopted into national laws or become industry norms, thereby influencing a wide range of sectors from manufacturing to healthcare.
- They help in reducing trade barriers, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving overall operational efficiencies.
Criticism and Challenges
- ISO standards can sometimes be seen as too generic, not always fitting the unique needs of every organization.
- There are concerns about the cost of certification and the potential for small businesses to be excluded due to these costs.
External Links
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