International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international body of representatives that promotes standards in industrial and commercial settings world-wide. As an independent organization, separate from all government, the ISO includes 162 different countries as members. By creating an agreed upon, voluntarily applied set of international standards, the ISO helps to promote trade of manufactured products and technologies. The common set of standards ensures safety, quality, and reliability in the products of those companies who can show licensed certificates. Both consumers and manufactures are protected by the ISO and the certifications are respected world-wide.