U.S. Standards System: U.S. Industry (Private Sector)

As standards users, U.S. companies, retailers, manufacturers, and trade associations have a considerable voice in the standardization system and a large impact on which standards are ultimately accepted in the U.S. marketplace. Likewise, many companies that are global leaders in their respective industry sectors may have an additional influence on the industry standards used around the world.

U.S. industry is one of the most active participants in standards development activities as well as in the development of U.S. policy positions for standardization. U.S. industry is also one of the largest users of standards in the U.S. and globally.

Industry experts play an important role in determining market acceptance requirements in the U.S. (i.e. what private sector requirements must be met in order to compete in the U.S. marketplace). Many of the standards currently in use in the U.S. have been developed in response to industry needs, thereby raising the bar for quality and for safety.

The role of Consumers (Private Sector)