What is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)?

Quality Glossary Definition: American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the sole U.S. representative and dues-paying member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As a founding member of ISO, ANSI also plays an active role in its governance.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Each country that belongs to ISO is represented by a national organization called a "member body." Each member body has a mechanism for identifying issues and developing a national consensus on the work being done by ISO Technical Committees (TC). Different countries are members of different committees.

In the United States, this mechanism is called the ANSI-Accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the specific ISO TC, or it may be referred to as the U.S. National Committee (USNC).

TAGs in the United States are accredited by ANSI and must follow specific ANSI procedures, known as the Model Operating Procedures for U.S. Technical Advisory Groups to ANSI for ISO Activities.

The primary purpose of the TAG (or national committee) for each country is to develop and transmit that country’s position on activities and ballots related to the work of each ISO TC. These groups are formed of delegates, who are actively involved in the international negotiation and preparation of international standards.

ASQ is a member of ANSI and is accredited by ANSI to be a standards-developing organization. ASQ annually declares to ANSI that it follows and supports the consensus process of developing American National Standards.

ANSI vs ISO: List of Standards

Frequently Asked Questions about ANSI:

• How is ASQ involved?
• What is ASQ’s role with TAGs?
• How does the standards development process work domestically?
• How does the voluntary standards system work?
• How do ASQ's divisions assist in the development of quality standards?
• What are the ANSI-accredited ASC Z-1 subcommittees?
• Why should your organization be involved in standards work?
• How can your organization get involved?
• How does a TAG relate to standards development?
• What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 176 do?
• What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 207 do?
• What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 69 do?
• What is a technical report (TR)?
• How can I get involved?

How is ASQ involved?

As the world's largest association dedicated to the advancement of quality, ASQ is committed to supporting the U.S. TAGs and their subcommittees (Z-1 subcommittees) responsible for standards development in several fields:

• Quality management
• Environmental management
• Statistics

ASQ also supports international and domestic standards-development activities conducted by forums and divisions via the ASQ Standards Committee. This helps ensure organizations have access to the quality-standards information necessary for building and maintaining successful enterprise.

What is ASQ’s Role with TAGs?

ASQ was selected by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the official United States member to ISO, to create and administer the U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAG) for the development of standards related to quality, environmental management, and topic areas.

ASQ’s fundamental role is to assemble groups of experts from a variety of industries to represent a balanced, cross section of stakeholders in developing and revising standards.

How Does the Standards Development Process Work Domestically?

The process of creating voluntary standards in the United States is guided by ANSI’s principles of consensus, due process, transparency, and openness, and depends heavily on data-gathering and compromises among a diverse range of stakeholders. ANSI ensures that access to the standards process, including an appeals mechanism, is made available to anyone directly or materially affected by a standard that is under development. Thousands of individuals, companies, government agencies, and other organizations such as labor, industrial, and consumer groups voluntarily contribute their knowledge, talents, and efforts to standards development.

To maintain ANSI accreditation, ASQ is required to adhere consistently to a set of requirements or procedures known as the "ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards," which govern the consensus-development process. Due process is the key to ensuring that American National Standards are developed in an environment that is equitable, accessible, and responsive to stakeholders. The open and fair ANS process ensures that all interested and affected parties have an opportunity to participate in a standard’s development. It also serves and protects the public interest, since standards developers accredited by ANSI must meet the requirements for openness, balance, consensus, and other due-process safeguards.

Hallmarks of the ANSI process include:

• Consensus on a proposed standard by a group or "consensus body" that includes representatives from materially affected and interested parties
• Broad-based public review and comment on draft standards
• Consideration of, and response to, comments submitted by voting members of the relevant consensus body and by public-review commenters
• Incorporation of approved changes into a draft standard
• A right of appeal by any participant who believes due process principles were not sufficiently respected during the standard’s development

The ANSI process serves all standardization efforts in the United States by providing and promoting a process that withstands scrutiny while protecting the rights and interests of every participant. In essence, ANSI standards quicken the market acceptance of products while making clear how to improve the safety of those products for the protection of consumers.

How Does the Voluntary Standards System Work?

Standards are developed in a "voluntary" system, meaning individuals and organizations willingly choose to use standards, and that no one is forced to adopt them. (Note: However, that if a government agency has adopted standards within its mandatory regulations, compliance with the referenced standards is obligatory for those working with that agency.)

The voluntary nature of the U.S. system allows the flexibility necessary to respond to changes in technology and market demand. Any persons with a vested interest in a proposed standard can participate in its development.

ANSI's Formation

To eliminate conflict and duplication in the U.S. voluntary standards development process, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was formed in 1918 by five professional/technical societies and three federal government agencies. One of ANSI‘s goals is to ensure that the consensus process of developing U.S. standards is followed.

ANSI carries out its oversight responsibilities with a rigorous system of checks and balances that ensure each and every standard that has been declared an "American National Standard" has been developed with due process. ANSI also requires that American National Standards undergo review and revision at regular intervals so that the best and newest ideas are incorporated. ANSI’s requirements provide clear and consistent channels of communication, so all parties involved know their views will be addressed. These requirements also prevent industries from influencing the development of standards in ways that would give them an unfair advantage over their competition.

How do ASQ's Divisions and Forums Assist in the Development of Quality Standards?

ASQ's divisions and forums have always been actively involved with the development of ASQ's quality standards. These groups are major sources of new ideas for quality standards. Their members serve as the technical experts of ASQ and are aware of trends and practices that indicate where and when a standard might be needed.

Composed of division and forum representatives, the ASQ Standards Committee discusses ideas and determines the need for future standards. Following the consensus process established by ANSI, it also works with divisions and forums that develop new standards or reaffirm/revise existing standards.

What are the ANSI-Accredited ASC Z-1 Subcommittees?

ASQ is the administrator of consensus bodies called "ASC Z-1 subcommittees" that cover generic standards having application in the fields of quality, environment, auditing, or statistics.

The purpose of each ASC Z-1 subcommittee is to coordinate, review, serve as a consensus body, and adopt those ISO or IEC standards within their field as American National Standards.

Members of any of the four subcommittees may include national organizations, companies, governmental agencies, and individuals interested in contributing to the American National Standards development process.

• Regular (voting) membership requires attendance at subcommittee meetings and voting on ballots. There is no cost to join, but travel expenses are the responsibility of the member.
• Observer (non-voting) members are not required to travel or vote.

Why Should Your Organization be Involved in Standards Work?

Being involved with standards work offers many benefits, including:

1. Competitive intelligence: As a member of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), you will see the drafts of standards and other related documents before the general public and have access to information about a standard throughout the life cycle of its development. You will also have the opportunity to help shape international standards.
2. Networking: Members of TAGs and related committees include representatives from all sectors of the economy, organizations of varying sizes, and universities and research institutions. This offers members unique networking opportunities and the chance to understand how different organizations do business and share best practices.
3. Skills development: Members of standards-related groups complete complex, technical work with diverse members, typically in a limited amount of time. Group discussions can help you learn how organizations interpret and use standards. Reviewing standards at every stage can help you better understand fine details of technical content. In addition, working on standards can help sharpen your negotiating skills and offer you practical experience that can grow your skills in written and verbal communication.
4. Prestige: Being involved with national and international standards development highlights your organization's position in the global economy and showcases its expertise. It also reflects the leadership and expertise of the employees who serve as members of the TAG team.

How can your Organization get Involved?

Organizations are encouraged to join the U.S. TAG that is made up of six interest categories:

• Industry
• Government
• Non-governmental organizations
• Consumer
• Labor
• Services, support, research, and others

A member may be an organization, government agency, or individual. Membership includes access to all TAG communication and requires active participation in the standards development activities related to the initiative. Members will be expected to attend a limited number of meetings throughout the year, review proposals and working documents, and respond to information or voting requests via email.

How can I get involved?

Please email the ASQ standards team at [email protected] if:

• You’re interested in participating in the development of standards related to quality, environmental management, statistics, auditing, or innovation
• You would like an application to join one or more of the committees
• You’re interested in representing your ASQ division or forum on the ASQ Standards Committee