Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 9000

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Q: What is ISO?

A: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from some 100 countries, one from each country.

ISO is a non-governmental organization established in 1947. The mission of ISO is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity.

ISO's work results in international agreements which are published as International Standards.

It is interesting to learn that ISO is not an acronym for International Organization for Standardization, but a Greek word meaning equal. (remember isosceles triangles from school, meaning equal sided), and is valid in English, French and Russian, the three official languages of ISO. The complete explanation can be found on page 1 of the ISO home page, www.iso.ch.


Q: How can I contact ISO?

A: ISO can be contacted at:

International Organization for Standardization
Case Postale 56
CH-1211

Geneva Switzerland