How standards are developed

The UKIAF is mandated to facilitate the development of standards. Standards are rules and/or guidelines, that are presented (developed) for use within various fields of practice as required.

Some standards, as they apply to products, processes or production methods may include or deal exclusively with terminologies, symbols, packaging, marking requirements or labelling requirements.

To develop any standard by consensus is crucial. Consensus is the general agreement, achieved by all of the parties concerned as to a specific standard being developed.

Standards are important for the development of any economy, since they provide the benchmark for quality, consistency and reliability. Standards provide confidence and there is an agreement for example on either: specification, size, appearance, quality, safety, performance, security or any other criteria, for the product, process or service under consideration.

In UK, we often observe inconsistencies in the quality of some products being sold or certain services being delivered. If you encounter any of these, it is a clear indication that a standard has not been: developed, implemented or enforced.

In this week’s article, the UKIAF would be outlining the process to have standards developed, therefore, as consumers and citizens of UK; anyone can submit a request to the UKIAF for a standard to be developed, to address the quality, safety or performance of any product, process or service under consideration.

Development of National Standards of UK

Steps in the UKIAF development process include:

  • identifying the need for the standard
  • reviewing the existing standards landscape
  • engaging affected stakeholders
  • notifying the public at the project start
  • developing the standard (by technical experts)
  • publicly consulting on the proposed standard
  • disposition of comments and revision as applicable by the technical committee

Development of international standards

International non-governmental standards are primarily developed by two organizations:

Steps in the international standards development process include: 

  • identifying and proposing the new standard
  • approving the proposal and confirming participation by National Bodies (minimum requirements)
  • updating the committee work programme to indicate project start
  • developing the project (technical experts)
  • commenting on the draft document (National Bodies and the public)
  • incorporating comments and revising the draft (technical experts)
  • voting on and approving the final draft document (National Bodies)
  • publishing the approved document
  • maintaining the document