The modern world has seen a rise in consumer demand for various goods and services.
In such a scenario, ensuring that the goods and services meet a minimum standard check or quality assurance for the well-being of all becomes crucial.
ASTM and ISO standards refer to two mechanisms that prescribe rules for the global market.
Key Takeaways
- ASTM is an American organization, while ISO is an international organization with members from various countries.
- ASTM standards focus primarily on materials, products, systems, and services, while ISO standards encompass a broader range of industries and disciplines.
- ASTM standards can be more specific to American industries, whereas ISO standards aim for global applicability and harmonization.
ASTM vs ISO Standards
ASTM International focuses on developing technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ISO sets standards that provide guidance and best practices for various business processes and management systems, such as quality management, environmental management, etc.
ASTM refers to a standards organization that serves the function of improving the quality of products, enhancing health and safety, and strengthening market access and trade.
The primary duty for drafting the standards lies in the hands of the ASTM technical committee.
ASTM standards cover various areas, including paints, petroleum, energy, and the environment.
ISO refers to an international organization that publishes world technical, industrial, and commercial standards.
ISO Standards are viewed as a formula that provides an in-depth description of doing everything effectively.
In addition, it is an independent, non-government organization.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | ASTM Standards | ISO Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | ASTM is a national organization that is a part of the ISO organization. | ASTM is a national organisation that is a part of the ISO organization. |
| Validity | ASTM Standards are considered less valid than ISO standards. | ISO Standards are considered more valid than ASTM Standards. |
| Types | There are six types of standards developed by ASTM. | ASTM Standards involve the small-scale participation of experts as compared to ISO Standards. |
| Participation | Expert professionals formulate ISO standards from 165 countries. | ASTM Standards involve small-scale participation of experts as compared to ISO Standards. |
| Launch Year | ASTM was launched in 1902. | ISO was founded on 23 February 1947. |
What are ASTM Standards?
ASTM refers to a standards organization.
The primary function of ASTM is to develop and publish voluntary consensus technical standards for many products, services, systems, and materials.
The initial name of ASTM was the American Society For Testing and Materials. ASTM was launched in 1902.
The standards proposed by ASTM are voluntary. However, they are a vital part of several laws, codes, and regulations around the globe.
The primary duty for drafting the standards lies in the hands of the ASTM technical committee. Such committees comprise consumers, producers, users, and general interest parties.
There are six types of standards developed by ASTM.
The standards are test method, classification, specification, guide, practice, and terminology.
A test method briefly describes a procedure, including details such as the test apparatus and test calculations.
A specification standard contains in-depth information about the conditions a product or material must satisfy.
A practice standard enlists the steps necessary to carry out a task or an operation. ‘
A guide standard, on the other hand, offers several choices, but it lacks information regarding a specific course of action.
As evident by the name, a terminology standard provides insights into the abbreviations and terminologies used by industry or any other organization.
What are ISO Standards?
ISO refers to an international organization that publishes world technical, industrial, and commercial standards.
ISO was founded on 23 February 1947. The ISO comprises member organizations from 165 countries across the globe.
In addition, it is an independent, non-government organization. ISO prescribes more than twenty thousand standards.
The most popular ISO Standards include ISO 14001, ISO 27000, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, ISO 13485, and ISO 31000. ISO 14001 revolves around environmental issues.
ISO 14001 builds the base for an Environmental Management System. ISO 27000 covers information technology. The main objective is to protect company assets.
ISO 22000 revolves around food safety. It is intended to develop and implement a food management system and assist any firm in the food chain.
In addition, ISO 50001 intends to improve energy consumption and efficiency by setting up an energy management system.
ISO 13485 is specific to the health industry and emphasizes medical equipment manufacturing.
ISO 31000 is mainly concerned with establishing a risk management system to ensure organizations can manage risks effectively.
There are several other ISO standards, such as ISO 26000, ISO 20121, and ISO 16949.
The ISO standards thus assist in creating products and materials that are safe, eligible, and of good quality.
Main Differences Between ASTM Standards and ISO Standards
- ASTM is a national organization that is a part of the ISO organization. On the other hand, ISO is an international organization that incorporates ASTM.
- While ASTM was launched in 1902, ISO was founded on 23 February 1947.
- ASTM Standards are considered less valid than ISO standards. On the other hand, ISO Standards are considered better than ASTM Standards.
- There are six types of standards developed by ASTM. In contrast, there are more than twenty thousand standards prescribed by ISO.
- ASTM Standards involve the small-scale participation of experts as compared to ISO Standards. On the other hand, ISO standards are formulated by expert professionals from 165 countries.
- https://www.cabem.com/top-10-most-popular-iso-standards/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTM_International#:~:text=ASTM%20International%2C%20formerly%20known%20as,products%2C%20systems%2C%20and%20services.
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
The astute observation that ISO standards involve greater participation of experts from 165 countries as compared to ASTM standards emphasizes the global impact of ISO standards.
Disappointed with the lack of in-depth analysis of specific ASTM and ISO standards in the post. The devil is in the details, and this overview is too broad and oversimplified.
Absolutely essential to understand the key differences between ASTM and ISO standards, which have a significant impact on global trade and markets.
The fact that ISO standards are considered more valid than ASTM standards is crucial for international trade and quality assurance purposes.
Great article presenting the thought-provoking differences between ASTM and ISO standards. Truly illuminating for readers seeking to understand the global market dynamics.
Interesting read. However, the comparison between ASTM and ISO standards could be more comprehensive to provide a more nuanced understanding of their implications for various sectors.