What is a ‘standard’?

A standard is a normative document for voluntary use, which is generally available and has been approved by a recognized standards body.

A standard sets forth rules, guidelines or characteristics applicable to various types of activities or results thereof; it is approved on a consensual basis and intended for general and repeated use, accepted by all parties concerned as an advantage for all, and it introduces a code of best practice and rules of rational behaviour in the context of the current state of the art.

Provisions of a standard should:

• be based on scientific research and data reviewed for its technical, economic and operational appropriateness;
• take into account the state of the art and the level of technology achieved or achievable in the foreseeable future;

• be feasible and absolutely verifiable.