International standards development (Annie test)
International non-governmental standards are primarily developed by two organizations:
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops standards in all areas except for electrical, electronic and information technologies.
SCC represents Canada as the country's member body at ISO.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies. The Canadian National Committee of IEC (CANC/IEC) is the key governance and management body for Canada's participation in the IEC. CANC/IEC facilitates Canada's position on standards development.
SCC sponsors CANC/IEC and provides the Secretariat.
International Standards are developed through collaboration and consensus by a global group of experts. They are developed using an established process in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives. National standards bodies, like SCC, nominate experts to represent their country’s interests.
SCC's role
SCC Directives and Member Code of Conduct
SCC determines Canada’s participation using the requirements and guidance for participation in international standards activities that are governed by:
- SCC Directives Part 1: Participation in International Standardization #link
- SCC Directives Part 2: Participation in International & Regional Standardization Organizations #link
- SCC Directives Part 3: Administrating Organizations – Management of Mirror Committees #link
- Member Code of Conduct #link
Mirror committees in Canada
SCC facilitates the participation of Canadian experts in developing ISO/IEC International Standards through its mirror committees. Mirror committees inform Canada’s position on standards to ISO and IEC. There is a Canadian mirror committee for international standards that are a national priority, including areas like the environment, health care and the digital economy.
Experts bring their subject matter knowledge and skills to develop standards in areas of great importance to Canada.
As SCC members, they share their time and expertise to advance the country’s best interests through standards development.
Each country gets one vote on standards proposals.
Standards development activities at the international level are determined by bodies at governance levels. In participating in mirror committees, experts play a key role in advancing Canada’s interests and leadership on the world stage.
Get involved
Join an SCC mirror committee to become a global leader in your industry. Help advance the health, safety and economic well-being of all Canadians.
Steps in international standards development
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National standards bodies propose and approve a new standard for development.
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Global technical experts develop the standard.
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National standards bodies and the public review and comment on the new standard.
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Technical experts incorporate comments and revise the draft standard.
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National standards bodies vote and approve the new standard.
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The standard is published; it will be reviewed and revised as needed.
Want to comment on a draft standard?
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Participate in governance work
Participating at the governance level means playing a leading role in shaping the direction of ISO and IEC.
How national standards are developed
Standards developers accredited by SCC, and the National Standards of Canada they develop, must meet SCC’s requirements for openness, balance, consensus and prescribed process. This ensures that all interested parties have an opportunity to participate in standards development.
Find and buy standards
Browse our database to search for published National Standards of Canada and international standards. You can also search for Other Recognized Documents. Find out where to buy the standards you need.