This document provides a framework on how International Standards can support policymakers and regulators in preparing, adopting and applying policy, and in particular, technical regulations (TRs).
Enhancing the collaboration between standardizers and policymakers in support of good regulatory practices.
International standards are efficient and cost-effective tools for meeting public policy objectives, including those set forth by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their use contributes to agile policymaking, enhances transparency, predictability and accountability of the regulatory process and stimulates sustainable economic growth.
ISO provides guidance and training to national standards bodies on how they can better support their national regulatory process while fulfilling their international trade obligations and international best practices. The World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Agreement requires international standards to be used when developing technical regulations. Moreover, the OECD’s guidelines on regulatory practices encourage the use of international standards.
The project also raises awareness among policymakers of the value of standards and the importance of the standards development process, which helps to strengthen collaboration between standardizers and regulators.
Consistent, transparent and targeted, ISO standards provide a strong basis for the development of national and international regulation, helping to save time and reduce barriers to international trade.
Projects
Applying good standardization practices to help ISO members better serve the standardization needs of their countries.
Identify and prioritize the needs of your country that can be addressed through standardization.
Enhancing the collaboration between standardizers and policy makers in support of good regulatory practices.
Efficient participation of developing countries in international standardization enables a better integration in the global market.
Applying ISO standards reduces technical barriers to trade and increases developing countries’ trade opportunities.
Promoting and disseminating clean cooking standards by working in synergy with key partners.
The institutional capacity of national standards bodies in the Middle East and North Africa was strengthened and the use of sustainable development standards promoted.
Applying ISO 26000 on social responsibility in the MENA region contributed to sustainable development.