Introduction to ISO

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global entity that develops and publishes international standards to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and interoperability of products, services, and systems. Established in 1947, ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization comprising national standardization bodies from various countries.

History and Evolution of ISO

ISO originated from two earlier organizations: the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA), founded in 1926, and the United Nations Standards Coordinating Committee (UNSCC), established during World War II. After the dissolution of ISA during the war, the need for a unified international standards body led to the formation of ISO on February 23, 1947.

Over the decades, ISO has expanded its scope, publishing over 24,000 standards covering various industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and environmental management. ISO standards have played a crucial role in global trade, ensuring consistency and compliance across borders.

ISO Structure and Committees

ISO operates through a hierarchical structure comprising different entities responsible for standard development and governance. The key elements include:

1. General Assembly

• The highest governing body, consisting of representatives from all ISO member bodies.
• Meets annually to set strategic directions and policies.

2. ISO Council

• Responsible for overall management and administration.
• Comprises elected members from different national standard bodies.

3. Technical Management Board (TMB)

• Oversees the technical work of ISO.
• Coordinates the development of standards through various technical committees.

4. Technical Committees (TCs)

• Develop standards in specific subject areas.
• Comprised of experts from national standard bodies, industry, academia, and other stakeholders.

5. Subcommittees (SCs) and Working Groups (WGs)

• Subcommittees focus on specialized areas within a technical committee.
• Working groups conduct detailed research and draft the standards.

ISO Membership

ISO has three categories of membership:

1. Member Bodies – National standardization organizations with voting rights (e.g., BIS in India, ANSI in the USA, BSI in the UK).
2. Correspondent Members – Countries without their own standardization organizations but can observe and comment on standards.
3. Subscriber Members – Countries with limited participation in ISO activities due to resource constraints.

ISO Standard Development Process

ISO follows a structured approach to developing standards, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and consensus. The key stages include:

1. Proposal Stage (NP – New Work Item Proposal)

• A member body submits a proposal for a new standard.
• ISO evaluates the proposal’s relevance and feasibility.

2. Preparatory Stage (WD – Working Draft)

• A working group prepares an initial draft.
• The draft undergoes discussions and refinements.

3. Committee Stage (CD – Committee Draft)

• The draft is reviewed by the technical committee.
• Member bodies provide comments and suggestions.

4. Enquiry Stage (DIS – Draft International Standard)

• The revised draft is circulated among all ISO members for a formal vote.
• Requires at least 75% approval to proceed.

5. Approval Stage (FDIS – Final Draft International Standard)

• The final draft is submitted for a final vote.
• Requires at least two-thirds approval from member bodies.

6. Publication Stage (IS – International Standard)

• Upon approval, the standard is published as an official ISO standard.
• It becomes available for global adoption and implementation.

ISO Voting System

ISO follows a consensus-based approach to decision-making. The voting process involves:

• Simple Majority – Used for procedural matters.
• Two-Thirds Majority – Required for standard adoption at key stages (DIS and FDIS).
• One-Country-One-Vote Policy – Ensures fair representation of all member bodies.

How to Get ISO Certification for Your Company

ISO certification is a globally recognized standard that helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health and safety, information security, and more. Whether you are a manufacturing company, a service provider, or a start-up, obtaining ISO certification can significantly enhance your credibility, improve operational efficiency, and open up new market opportunities.

Steps to Get ISO Certification

1. Identify the Right ISO Standard
   Choose the ISO standard that aligns with your organization’s needs, such as:
   • ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
   • ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
   • ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety)
   • ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management)
   • ISO 13485:2016 (Medical Devices – Quality Management)
2. Gap Analysis & Preparation
   Conduct a gap analysis to compare your current processes with the requirements of the standard. This helps identify areas for improvement.
3. Implement the Management System
   Develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes that meet the standard’s requirements. Employee training and awareness are critical during this stage.
4. Internal Audit & Management Review
   Perform an internal audit to ensure the system is working effectively, followed by a management review to evaluate overall performance.
5. Certification Audit by a Certification Body
   Engage an accredited certification body to perform an external audit. The audit is typically conducted in two stages:
   • Stage 1: Document review and readiness assessment.
   • Stage 2: Detailed audit of implementation and effectiveness.
6. Certification & Surveillance Audits
   Upon successful completion, the certification body issues the ISO certificate, valid for three years with annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Get Certified with Quality HUB India (QHI)

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional certification partner, Quality HUB India (QHI) is here to help. QHI is a NABCB-accredited certification body under the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) framework. With a team of experienced auditors and a customer-focused approach, QHI provides certification services for various ISO standards across industries.

Contact QHI today to begin your ISO certification journey with confidence and competence.

📢 Visit us:  https://qualityhubindia.com

📞 Contact Us: +91- 7073111630 | 9588293691
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Conclusion

ISO plays a critical role in facilitating international trade, ensuring product and service quality, and driving innovation. With its well-defined structure, transparent development process, and democratic voting system, ISO continues to set global benchmarks for standardization. Its continuous evolution reflects the dynamic needs of industries and consumers worldwide, promoting safety, efficiency, and sustainability.