What is a standard? What are they for?

A standard is a voluntarily applied document that contains technical specifications based on the results of experience and technological development. Standards are the result of consensus among all the parties that are interested and involved in the relevant activity. They must also be approved by a recognised standardisation body.

Standards constitute the fundamental tool for the development of trade and industry in a country, as they serve as the foundation for improvement in the quality of corporate management, design and manufacture of products, or in the provision of services, thereby increasing competitiveness in national and international markets.

They are also extremely hepful to consumers and users, by giving them a reference point for the levels of quality and safety that they may demand of the products and services they use, and to society in general, by helping to protect the environment, improve health, or adapt surroundings to permit disabled access.

Currently, there are standards to cover almost everything; standards on the composition and characteristics of raw materials (e.g. plastic, steel, wood), standards on industrial products (e.g. screws, household appliances, tools), on consumer products (e.g. toys, furniture, shoes, foodstuffs) machinery, cleaning services, nursing homes, and much more.