The organizations behind standards

Many organizations produce standards, from independent organizations and trade associations to international standards bodies. Here are some of the main ones.

National standards bodies

A country's national standards body (NSB) is usually its biggest producer of formal standards. The NSB brings together representatives from relevant sections of business, government and society in technical committees that develop the standards.

BSI British Standards is the national standards body in the UK. It produces British Standards and represents UK interests in European and international forums. Other NSBs include AFNOR in France, DIN in Germany and ANSI in the US.

European Committee for Standardization (CEN)

CEN members are the national standards bodies of countries in the European Union. CEN promotes voluntary technical harmonization to reduce trade barriers in Europe and worldwide. All European Standards are adopted as British Standards.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO is the world's largest developer of standards. Its membership comprises the national standards bodies of countries around the world. The UK decides which international standards to adopt as British Standards.

Government departments

Many government departments produce standards, such as the Department for Education and Skills, the Office of Government Commerce and the Environment Agency.

National organizations

National organizations that produce standards include the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency and the Financial Services Authority.

Independent organizations

Independent organizations may develop standards within a particular industry. An example is the GSM Association, which developed the leading global standard for mobile communications.

Trade associations

UK trade associations that produce formal standards for public use include the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Web Design Association.