The International Standards Organization (ISO) is a non-governmental organization composed of representatives from 162 participating nations that develops and publishes international standards for a variety of products and activities.

History

ISO was founded in 1946 when delegates from 25 countries sent to London for a meeting of the Institute of Civil Engineers decided to form a new organization that would attempt to unify industrial standards around the world. ISO began operating in 1947.

Need for International Standardization

Throughout the 1960s, national standardization organizations, multinational corporations and governmental regulatory bodies became increasingly aware of the need for international standards. This led to ISO development and publication of more standards and the acceptance of those standards worldwide.

Quality Management Standards

ISO began issuing quality management and quality assurance standards in 1979 dealing with a wide variety of activities from research and development to service and maintenance.

Environmental Management Standards

ISO began issuing environmental standards during the 1990s at the behest of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Development of Standards

At the request of industry groups or other stakeholders, ISO sets up technical committees that develop standards, publish and edit those standards, and submit them for a vote. Two-thirds of ISO members must approve the standards for publication.

Source:

ISO: About ISO

ISO: The ISO Story

ISO: International Standards

More Information:

ISO: Quality Management Standards

ISO: Environmental Management and Other Management Standards

ISO: How ISO Develops Standards