Standard

A standard is a document that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for products and their related processes or production methods, with which compliance is not mandatory. It may also cover terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labeling requirements as they apply to a product, process or production method.

A link exists between technical regulations and standards. Technical regulations use standards as a basis for implementing required product characteristics. When a standard is declared binding, it becomes a technical regulation.

Standards are voluntary in nature and can be developed by a variety of bodies in the public or private sector. Standards specify only the product characteristics, or technical requirements, with which products or processes have to comply in order to meet the standards.

Standards are based on actual experience and lead to materials results in practice; they establish a compromise between the state of the art and the economic constraints of the time. To keep peace with technological developments and social progress, standards are reviewed periodically or as dictated by circumstance.

In commercial contracts and in court in the event of dispute, standards have a reference status because they are recognized as valid nationally, regionally and internationally as appropriate; and may be consulted and purchased without restriction.