BSI describes a standard as "a published specification that establishes a common language, and contains a technical specification or other precise criteria and is designed to be used consistently, as a rule, a guideline, or a definition".

Essentially, however, by defining common requirements, standards enable a common basis of understanding to exist between different parties. This in turn promotes both efficiency and reliability. In many scenarios it can bring major competitive edge and advantage to businesses.

Further, according to ISO, standards "contribute to making life simpler, and to increasing the reliability and effectiveness of the goods and services we use".

The ISO Standards Bookshop is an official distributor of international standards and related material.