Benefits of standards: the ISO materials
Hear from businesses and browse ISO case studies that clearly show the benefits that standards can bring
The main benefits of ISO standards
ISO was founded with the idea of answering a fundamental question: “what's the best way of doing this?”
It started with the obvious things like weights and measures, and over the last 50 years has developed into a family of standards that cover everything from the shoes we stand in, to the Wi-Fi networks that connect us invisibly to each other.
Addressing all these and more, International Standards mean that consumers can have confidence that their products are safe, reliable and of good quality. ISO's standards on road safety, toy safety and secure medical packaging are just a few of those that help make the world a safer place.
Regulators and governments count on ISO standards to help develop better regulation, knowing they have a sound basis thanks to the involvement of globally-established experts.
To find out more about how ISO's 21684 standards touch almost all aspects of daily life, and work for businesses large and small, you can see standards in action. With International Standards on air, water and soil quality, on emissions of gases and radiation, and environmental aspects of products, they protect the health of the planet and people, beyond bringing economic benefits.
How standards help small- and medium-sized businesses
A strategic tool for any size of business, find out how ISO standards can reduce costs, satisfy consumers, open access to new markets, improve environmental performance, and more besides.
Standards as a road-map to better regulation
Consistent, transparent, targeted. ISO standards provide a strong basis for the development of national and international regulation, helping save time and reduce barriers to international trade.
Safety, quality and value for money for consumers
Find out how we spread the benefits of ISO International Standards as broadly as possible, by involving consumers in standards development work through our committee on consumer policy.
Economic benefits of standards Volume 1
This ground-breaking book presents "The ISO Methodology to assess the economic benefits of standards" in action.
Practical tools for addressing climate change
An overview of some of the ways in which ISO standards help organizations address climate change.
The consumer and standards
This brochure outlines the meaning and essential elements of consumer participation, including an overview of standards development procedures, as well as the history of consumer participation in standards work.