A standard is a document defining best practice established by consensus and approved by BSI. Each standard is kept current through a process of maintenance and review whereby it is updated, revised or withdrawn as necessary.
Standards are designed to set out clear and unambiguous provisions and performance objectives in order to help trade and communication but may also meet other needs. For example, they might improve the use of resources, assist with bringing products from development to market, stimulate innovation through the quick and efficient dissemination of critical information, or improve the quality of life through health, safety and environmental requirements. Although standards are voluntary and separate from legal and regulatory systems, they can be used to support or complement legislation.
For formal standards, national committees represent their communities in order to develop standards and related documents by consensus. They include representatives of government, testing laboratories, suppliers, consumers, academic institutions, societal interests, business, manufacturers, regulators and trade unions. European and international committees represent the countries interested in the subject matter with the aim of reaching consensus, through expert delegations nominated by the relevant national standards bodies.
View Introducing Standards (PDF, 237KB)
