In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity, ISO and IEC are developing gender-responsive standards (GRS) that specifically consider gender implications in their content, requirements and application. These standards recognize and respect physical differences and gender roles, ensuring that women and men benefit equally from any specified product, process, system or service. By considering physical, physiological, social and cultural dimensions, GRS aim to enhance safety and inclusivity for everyone. 

The ISO/IEC Joint Strategic Advisory Group on Gender Responsive Standards (ISO/IEC JSAG GRS) has spearheaded the development of guidance on GRS for technical work. The guidance helps technical committees assess potential gender implications when developing standards, supported by six case studies that showcase practical examples of integrating gender-responsive considerations into standards.

It is essential that all voices are heard in the standardization process in order to highlight women’s unique health, safety and well-being needs. By addressing these needs, GRS can play a pivotal role in significantly improving women's daily lives and promoting gender equality.

ISO and IEC experts are invited to explore these issues in more depth in our GRS webinar on 9 January 2025, when we will discuss concrete examples of GRS in action.
The webinar will feature Karin Lindmark from ISO member SIS (Sweden), who is also a member of the Technical Management Board (TMB), and Wael Diab, Chairperson of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC42 on Artificial Intelligence.

The Ente Italiano di Normazione (UNI), ISO’s member for Italy, has been awarded the prestigious special prize for “Sustainability Communication” at the 60th edition of the Oscar di Bilancio Awards. The award recognizes UNI’s innovative approach to transparent and accessible sustainability reporting.

Since 2020, UNI has crafted sustainability reports that simplify complex topics like standardization through clear storytelling, balanced data and impactful performance indicators. The interactive digital version ensures ease of access and includes features designed for universal accessibility, enabling use by visually impaired and disabled individuals.

Wireless technology has been – and continues to be – a defining innovation, connecting everything from mobile phones and smart homes to Internet of Things devices. As the fifth generation of this technology, 5G delivers ultra-fast data transfer speeds, low latency, improved energy efficiency and network reliability. More importantly, its ability to connect up to one million devices per square kilometre, and to “slice” networks to accommodate specific applications, makes it a game-changer for industrial automation, healthcare and smart cities, amongst other things.

The Chinese government, along with other global entities, recognizes 5G as a cornerstone of its technological and economic future. However, like all groundbreaking technologies, it must be applied appropriately to deliver on its promises. With this in mind, the ISO member for China, SAC, commissioned research to explore how International Standards can shape the effective implementation of 5G technology and unlock its full potential.

The research focused on the Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, a key player in China’s electricity value chain, where two ISO standards proved particularly impactful. ISO 37184 plays a crucial role in advancing 5G communication for transportation services, offering a blueprint for expanding service coverage through 5G networks that connect transport facilities, vehicles and service dispatches. Meanwhile, ISO/IEC 27001 ensures robust information security and user privacy, safeguarding data transmission in 5G communication.

By implementing these and other standards, the Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau reaped substantial benefits across its operations. One of the most notable achievements was the construction of a 200 MW virtual power plant, which delivered impressive results. The project saved between USD 63.02 million to USD 177 million in investment costs for power generation capacity, cut some 15 375 man-hours annually for grounding fault handling, and reduced energy consumption by eliminating 40 700 tonnes of standard coal each year. Most importantly, it prevented the release of 108 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 3 261 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, driving significant progress in energy conservation and emissions reduction.

Economically, the implementation of these ISO standards led to significant cost savings. Over three years, they reduced expenses for purchasing and deploying switches and laying optical cables by around USD 8.77 million. Losses from power outages caused by peak load shifting and power limiting were also cut by approximately USD 1.31 million. In 2023 alone, the costs of fault detection and isolation decreased by about USD 3.56 million. Most notably, in the summer of 2021, the network load intelligent control system ensured the power grid operated at full capacity to meet demand, saving an impressive USD 51.65 million in power generation and social electricity costs.

The Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau’s innovative use of 5G technology highlights the transformative impact of International Standards, such as those developed by ISO, on real-world applications. Building on this success, SAC is committed to advancing the development and implementation of standards in this critical area. These efforts will empower industries in China and worldwide to leverage the full potential of 5G, paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have joined forces to create the International AI Standards Summit, announced today during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

This initiative follows the adoption of the Global Digital Compact by world leaders in September 2024 and is a direct response to a call to action by the United Nations to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance through International Standards.

Ceramic tiles are the subject of the first International Standard for sustainable products.

Going greener is the objective of more and more organizations in the construction sector, recognizing its potential to reduce greenhouse gases and create more sustainable spaces for all. The methods and materials they use provide a powerful opportunity to fuel this trend, so to support green choices in building materials, ISO has just published its first standard for sustainable products in construction.

ISO 17889-1, Ceramic tiling systems – Sustainability for ceramic tiles and installation materials – Part 1: Specification for ceramic tiles, is expected to lead the way in terms of standards for sustainability in construction products. It outlines the requirements for sustainable ceramic tiles according to environmental, economic and social criteria and enables users to select products that most contribute toward sustainability in buildings. The standard also includes evaluation to enable the results of such assessments to be compared, thus supporting certification schemes.  

Andrea Contri, Project Leader and Convenor of the group of experts that developed the standard, said the use of the ISO 17889 series will guide everyone in the supply chain for tiles and installation materials, including designers and contractors. 

“This is an historical turning point for the construction industry, because, while we have substantial standards that address buildings and civil engineering works in their entirety, it is the first that is dedicated to individual materials,” he said. 

“It is hoped that widespread uptake of this standard will promote the use of sustainable materials to increase market demand for them, thus contributing to a reduction of the environmental impact of buildings.” 

ISO 17889-1 applies to ceramic tiles while the second part of the standard, currently in development, will specifically apply to tile installation materials such as adhesives, grouts and membranes. 

ISO 17889-1 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 189, Ceramic tile, the secretariat of which is held by ANSI, ISO’s member for the USA. It is available from your national ISO member or the ISO Store.

The world’s favourite standard is still as relevant as ever.

Used by millions of organizations around the globe, the world-standard reference for quality, ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements, has just passed its “warrant of fitness”.

Like all ISO standards, ISO 9001 undergoes a systematic review every five years to decide whether it is still valid or needs updating. This is important to ensure the standard is still globally relevant and meets the needs of its users.

In doing so, the subcommittee responsible for the standard, SC 2, Quality systems, which operates under technical committee ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, undertook a number of activities including discussions with committee members and a survey of ISO 9001 users. The result was that no revision was needed and the latest version of ISO 9001 still provides as much value to those implementing the standard as it did when it was last updated in 2015.

A special task force within the committee will continue to evaluate and monitor any possible market or other changes that could impact the standard and propose a revision if and when required.

New guidance to help revive the industry in a safe and secure way.

One of the hardest-hit sectors in the current pandemic, tourism provides one in ten jobs worldwide and a significant percentage of many countries’ GDP, holding the livelihoods of many millions of people in its hands. What’s more, it often funds other areas such as wildlife conservation, culture and heritage sites.

Latest figures suggest the losses to the tourism industry since the crisis began are in the order of USD 1.2 trillion and over a hundred million jobs. Reviving this sector is therefore imperative, yet it needs to be in the context of protecting the health and safety of everyone. A new publicly available specification (PAS) has just been published to help. 

Natalia Ortiz de Zárate, Manager of the ISO committee that developed ISO/PAS 5643, said it draws on national and international guidelines that already exist, harmonizing and expanding them for a comprehensive document that any country can use. 

“It is essential that the tourism sector can reopen again, but in a safe and sustainable way,” she said. 

“There is no guarantee the world will return to how it was before and unpredictability has become the norm. The purpose of these guidelines is to support the industry in being agile and prudent, to be able to welcome visitors again in the best possible conditions, as a means of rebuilding trust and keeping everyone safe and secure.” 

ISO/PAS 5643, Tourism and related services – Requirements and guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the tourism industry, has a broad scope and will help all providers in the sector (accommodation, museums, transport, experiences, activities and guides) to ensure safer services and prevent the spread of the virus. It is designed to help tourism providers implement the best measures for everyone’s safety and reassure tourists of the effectiveness of what they have in place. 

The PAS has also been adopted by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) as the European Tourism COVID-19 Safety Seal, thus demonstrating its commitment to the guidelines and ensuring widespread take-up across the region.

The Seal is set out by two CEN Workshop Agreements: CWA 5643-1, Tourism and related services – Requirements and guidelines to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the tourism industry (ISO PAS 5643:2021), and CWA 5643-2, Tourism and related services – Requirements and guidelines to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the tourism industry – European visual identity, which focuses on Europe-specific recommendations and requirements.

ISO/PAS 5643 helps industry players identify and implement measures that reduce the spread of the epidemic, taking into account the different protocols worldwide. 

Maria Cruz Cádiz, Convenor of the working group that developed the PAS, said it includes requirements and recommendations to protect not just tourists but locals and tourism provider employees as well. 

“It is also flexible and comprehensive enough to be adapted to any kind of organization, including SMEs,” she said. 

The recommendations are therefore relevant to everything from accommodation establishments, restaurants, beaches and parks, transport companies, tour guides, spas, museums and heritage sites, the conference and events industry, to travel and tourism operators and more. 

Around 75 % of ISO members are from developing countries, many of which face significant challenges related to trade, climate change and sustainable development, among other things. ISO standards can be powerful tools to address these issues, yet many of our developing country members need capacity building support in order to benefit fully.

The ISO Action Plan for developing countries is the overall framework for technical assistance and training to support developing country members. Its objective is to empower members to contribute actively to the ISO system and fully realize the benefits of using ISO standards, particularly those addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Achieving this objective will also make an important contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ISO’s vision of “making lives easier, safer and better” by 2030.

It has been updated several times since it was first implemented in 2005 and the latest version aims to address ISO members’ current needs and priorities. Recognizing the difficulties imposed by current circumstances, it takes advantage of tools that offer support remotely, such as digital learning solutions, distance coaching and in-country advisory services.

The Action Plan is implemented by ISO’s Capacity Building unit, which has just launched a brand-new website featuring its ongoing projects and success stories. The site also provides information about how members and their stakeholders can get involved.

ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said that while the Action Plan is aimed at supporting ISO members, the real beneficiaries are the stakeholders they serve.

“ISO is only as strong as its members, and a strong national standards body is vital in order for our organization to continue to be relevant and effective,” he said.

“This new Action Plan was developed through an inclusive consultation with members to ensure it meets their current and future needs. We are confident it will enhance their capacity to participate and benefit everyone who is affected by ISO standards.”

The Action Plan for developing countries is also a key element of ISO’s commitment to making the world safer, freer, more prosperous and sustainable for future generations to benefit from.

Organizations that provide equal opportunities and appreciate the qualities of every single one of their employees do better business. Improved performance, increased innovation and greater staff engagement are just some of the benefits an inclusive organizational culture can bring, but getting there is not always a straight road. A new standard has just been published to help.

ISO 30415, Human resource management – Diversity and inclusion, provides the fundamentals for organizations wishing to create an inclusive workplace and capitalize on the opportunities this can offer. The standard covers actions, principles, measures, and their associated accountabilities and responsibilities, and takes into account the unique context of each workplace.

Jim Lewis, Chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the standard, said creating a truly inclusive organizational culture requires much more than just good intentions.

“Fair and equitable access to jobs and career paths, as well as the opportunity for every employee to be heard and respected, involves deeply embedding the principles of diversity and inclusion in an organization’s policies and practices,” he said.

“ISO 30415 helps organizations to do that across the entire employment life cycle, as well as in their supply chain and relationships with stakeholders. It takes a continuous improvement approach to achieve diversity and inclusion objectives, and to support external validation processes as well.”

Use of the standard will help company leaders demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion to staff and stakeholders alike, as well as identify new opportunities to create an inclusive culture.

ISO 30415 was developed by technical committee ISO/TC 260, Human resource management, whose secretariat is held by ANSI, ISO’s member for the USA. It can be purchased from your national ISO member or the ISO Store.

Today is the International Day of Human Space Flight, celebrating 60 years since Yuri Gagarin became the first person to leave our planet. It’s a fitting moment to celebrate the heroic achievements of all those involved in realizing similarly remarkable feats since.

With extreme levels of accuracy required in all aspects of space flight, from the equipment to the trajectory and communications from space back to Earth, ISO has hundreds of International Standards that are used by the major space agencies around the world, including NASA and the European Space Agency.

International collaboration is essential for space initiatives, but this requires common data sharing schemes for the industry. To promote interoperability and cross-support among cooperating space agencies, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) works with ISO technical committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles, subcommittee SC 13, Space data and information transfer systems[1], to actively develop recommendations for data and information systems standards. Many of these are used in thousands of human and robotic missions by space agencies around the world, including NASA.

Badri Younes, Manager of NASA Space Communications and Navigation, points to the criticality of internationally recognized standards when missions rely upon extremely complex data for their success.

“Space missions require a high degree of accuracy in trajectory and communications, both direct-to-Earth and via relay links to one or more orbiters,” said Younes. “Internationally recognized standards, such as those produced by ISO and the CCSDS, particularly for data exchange and navigation, are highly valuable elements of our missions.”

Screening for viruses and communicable diseases has experienced great advances in recent years, enabling a high number of people to be tested faster, more safely and prevent the spread of infection. ISO is at the forefront of developing standards that will help healthcare organizations and governments respond more rapidly and capably to pandemics and emergencies. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many different models of infectious disease screening, including contactless drive-through and walk-through stations, have been rapidly deployed around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that healthcare workers, despite precautions being taken, continue to be exposed to excessively high levels of risk relative to the rest of the population.

With the safety of both the healthcare provider and the patient in mind, ISO technical committee ISO/TC 304, Healthcare organization management, established a working group (WG 4) to focus on how best to cut the chain of transmission in situations of pandemic. WG 4, Pandemic preparation response, aims to develop standards that will help healthcare organizations run safe and fast testing facilities with the ability to rapidly quarantine and treat patients without increasing infection rates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of developing and maintaining healthcare systems that are not only able to handle such crises, but that can spring into immediate action to reduce the spread of infectious diseases quickly and effectively at the first signs of an outbreak. Three standards currently being worked on are ISO 5258 (drive-through screening stations for infectious disease control), ISO 5472 (walk-through screening stations for infectious disease control) and ISO 5741 (pandemic response in residential treatment centres). These standards will provide an effective infection control strategy by giving health workers the ability to quickly identify, isolate and treat patients through rapid examination.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned all eyes towards not only our health and our health systems but also their deficiencies. While we are united in the fragility of our existence, we are cruelly divided in terms of access to medical care.

This year’s World Health Day focuses on reducing the disparities when it comes to how people access healthcare in order to restore the human right of good health for all. ISO not only has a number of standards aimed at equitable healthcare management, but it has made many of those that are relevant to COVID-19 freely available online. These include standards for ventilators, medical and personal protection equipment and occupational health and safety.

What’s more, by bringing together international best practice, standards can help countries and organizations with limited resources benefit from the latest expert guidance on establishing practices and protocols that can help.

The upcoming IWA 38, Building guideline of emergency medical facility, will provide guidelines on how to quickly construct facilities for respiratory infectious diseases within existing medical institutions. The International Workshop Agreement will draw on the latest scientific guidance from around the world for the prevention and control of such illnesses.

This will be complemented by the future ISO 5472, Standard protocols of walk-through screening stations for infectious disease control, which is aimed at facilitating the safe and cost-effective implementation of testing stations for the detection of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. These can reduce the amount of protective equipment needed and increase the number of people tested.

Also in development is ISO/TS 5798, Quality practice for detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by nucleic acid amplification methods. The new technical specification will provide the necessary considerations for the design, development, verification, validation and implementation of analytical tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using nucleic acid amplification methods. It will include pre-examination and examination process steps for respiratory tract specimens as well as their relevant parameters.

In addition, the recently published ISO/PA  45005, Occupational health and safety management – General guidelines for safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic, was developed in just three months in response to the urgency of the situation and the pressing need for such information. Available at no cost online, the publicly available specification is aimed not only at organizations but at individual workers in every kind of activity, to help them continue to work while protecting their health. It provides crucial aid at a time when not only the health but the livelihoods of so many are threatened.

All of these standards, and many more, contribute to this year’s World Health Day objectives and to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for good health and well-being (SDG 3), which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government department that regulates the medical devices sector, announced its intention to use ISO 13485 as the basis for its quality system legislation.

ISO 13485, Medical devices — Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes, is the International Standard for quality management systems for the medical devices sector. Published in 2016, it is designed to work with other management systems in a way that is efficient and transparent. The standard, which is now in its third edition, received strong support from the FDA, in line with its drive for global convergence of medical device regulatory processes.

The announcement by the FDA that it will use ISO 13485 in replacing its current quality system regulation, is an important next step in the recognition this standard has already gained globally.

ISO/TC 210 warmly welcomes the FDA’s planned adoption. This ISO technical committee, responsible for the quality management and corresponding general aspects for medical devices, is run by ANSI, ISO’s member in the United States.

UKIAF celebrated World Accreditation Day 2019 at our office today (Friday, June 7) in UK.

Established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the, World Accreditation Day is celebrated each year to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation activities. This year, the focus of World Accreditation Day will be on “adding value to the supply chain.”

This year’s theme focused on how accreditation provides added value to supply chains.

Supply chains provide a vital role in delivering products and services for consumers, business and the public sector in a timely, cost-efficient and quality manner. Accreditation and, with it, other quality infrastructure tools such as standards, metrology and conformity assessment, provide widely accepted tools that help deliver value to the supply chain. These tools help with trust and assurance, enabling confidence in both final products and services and the manner in which they are placed on the market and used.

As in previous years, the day will be celebrated across the world with the hosting of major national events, seminars, and press and media coverage, to provide the opportunity to explore how accreditation can help deliver a safer world and to support businesses, government and regulators to find standards, conformity assessment and accreditation tools to support them in this goal.

CHOOSING A CERTIFICATION BODY

When choosing a certification body, you should:

• Evaluate several certification bodies.
• Check if the certification body uses the relevant standard
• Check if it is accredited. Accreditation is not compulsory, and non-accreditation does not necessarily mean it is not reputable, but it does provide independent confirmation of competence. To find an accredited certification body.

DISPLAYING YOUR CERTIFICATE

Remember, when labelling a product or system as certified to an ISO standard:

Don't say: "ISO certified" or "ISO certification"

DO say: "ISO 9001:2015 certified" or "ISO 9001:2015 certification" (for example).