What is ISO and What is Its Role - TechSparks (2025)

The origins of ISO can be traced back to the early 20th century when the rapid growth of industrialization led to inconsistent technical standards across countries, causing trade barriers and communication difficulties. In response to these challenges, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was established in 1919 to coordinate standards in the electrical and electronic engineering fields. However, as technology advanced and globalization accelerated, there was a need for a broader organization to address a wider range of industries and technologies.

In October 1946, representatives from 25 countries met in London to discuss the creation of a new international standardization organization. After months of preparation, ISO was officially established on February 23, 1947, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Since its inception, ISO has published over 24,000 international standards covering various fields, from quality and environmental management to information technology and food safety, laying the foundation for global economic and social coordination.

As globalization accelerates, ISO standards play a crucial role on the international stage. They not only streamline international trade processes but also drive technological innovation and sustainable development across multiple sectors. By creating unified international standards, ISO effectively removes technical barriers between countries, enabling smoother market access for products and services. This integration has significantly boosted global economic cohesion, affecting diverse areas such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive industries, energy management, and construction materials.

ISO standards are pivotal in the development and deployment of new technologies, providing standardized guidelines to ensure their safety and effectiveness. For instance, with the rise of information technology, ISO/IEC 27001 has become a fundamental standard for information security management systems (ISMS), offering a systematic approach to protect information assets. This standard helps organizations ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information while fostering the global adoption of information security technologies.

ISO’s quality management standards also offer systematic frameworks for improving product and service quality, enhancing competitive advantage, and increasing consumer satisfaction and trust. The well-known ISO 9001 standard defines the requirements for quality management systems (QMS) and is recognized globally as a benchmark for quality management. Through this standard, businesses can ensure their products and services meet expected quality standards.

Additionally, ISO has developed important standards in environmental management and social responsibility, such as ISO 14001 and ISO 26000. These standards guide businesses in reducing environmental impacts and fulfilling social responsibilities. ISO 14001 helps organizations establish systematic environmental management frameworks to mitigate negative environmental effects, while ISO 26000 provides comprehensive guidance on social responsibility, ensuring companies consider sustainability in their decision-making processes.

ISO standards also protect consumer rights by standardizing product safety, quality, and performance. For example, ISO 22000 provides a structured management tool for the food industry to ensure the safety and health of food products, addressing global concerns about food safety and protecting consumer health throughout the supply chain.

ISO’s organizational structure is complex and diverse, designed to adapt to the intricate market environment and ensure effective standardization efforts. The highest decision-making body within ISO is the ISO General Assembly, composed of representatives from member countries. The assembly meets annually to discuss and decide on ISO’s strategic direction, policies, and budget.

The day-to-day operations of ISO are managed by the Central Secretariat, located in Geneva, Switzerland, which coordinates the work of member countries and technical committees. ISO has over 330 technical committees (TCs), each focusing on specific areas of standard development. These committees consist of experts from around the world who play a core role in drafting standards:

1. Proposals for new standards are submitted by member countries or technical committees. Once a proposal receives sufficient support, a draft standard is developed.
2. The draft is reviewed and revised by the technical committee members through multiple rounds of discussion to reach a consensus.
3. The revised draft is sent to all ISO member countries for review. Members vote and provide feedback, suggesting modifications if needed.
4. The draft, after member review, is submitted to the ISO Council or Assembly for final approval. Once approved, the draft becomes an official ISO international standard.
5. The standard is then published as an official document and made available globally for use by governments, businesses, and organizations.