As technology help shape communities and improve people’s lives around the world, more and more people begin to realize the value of standards that provide framework for constant growth and improvement.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines standard as a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.
In simpler terms, standards give world-class specifications for products, services and systems to ensure product and service quality, safety and efficiency. Standards are likewise means of facilitating trade among nations.
The past few years ISO has seen an increase in the number of companies adopting standards to provide guidance to their organization to meet customer requirements of products and services they offer. Some of the most common standards developed by ISO are ISO 9001 – Quality management that ensures good quality products and services to meet the customer’s requirement and ISO 14000 Environment management international standards for companies and organizations looking to manage their environmental responsibilities.
Government agencies as well as private organizations including those in the education sector compliant to these standards do not only assist them in their work procedures but also add credibility in the eyes of their customers.
However, the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) reminds the public that ISO does not perform certification and therefore cannot issue certificates to companies and businesses. The certification is performed by conformity assessment bodies such as certification bodies, which are not in any way connected to ISO and DTI-BPS.
Additionally, ISO advises companies that when labeling a product or system as certified to an ISO standard to promote their business, it is recommended that they specify specific standards they are certified to. Use “ISO 9001:2008 certified” or “ISO 9001:2008 certification” as opposed to “ISO certified” or “ISO certification.”
ISO also encourages certified organizations to avoid using the ISO logo in their promotional materials. The logo is a registered trademark thus requiring permission to be used unless authorized.
The DTI-BPS is the National Standards Body of the Philippines. It is the Philippines’ member to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO International Standards may be availed for a minimal fee from the BPS – Standards Data Centre at 751.4736/507.7307 and bps@dti.gov.ph.