About the NSB

Building Trust as the UK's National Standards Body

As the UK's National Standards Body, we aid innovation, support economic growth and improve quality, safety and wellbeing through standardization.

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Our purpose

We're appointed by the government to develop British Standards and represent the UK’s interests in standards development at a European and global level

As the UK's NSB, we work under a memorandum of understanding with governent and provide solutions to support policy, growth, innovation and deliver trust for the benefit of all sectors and society.

By instilling best practices across all industries we open up market access and trade, drive innovation, and strengthen consumer trust.

We bring together a community of over 12,000 experts from industry, government, public bodies and consumer groups to develop purpose-driven standards that create positive change.

By improving the quality and safety of products, services and systems through standardization, we are shaping a safe and sustainable society ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Insights & Media

National representation with global impact

Accelerating global progress through our role as a trusted partner to governments, industries, public bodies and consumers.

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Case Study

Boosting Trade and Collaboration Across the Commonwealth

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Whitepaper

Standards and Digitalization in Developing Economies

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Case Study

Integrating Climate Action into Every Standard

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Whitepaper

Standards and Digitalization in Developing Economies

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Whitepaper

The Future of Electronics

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Whitepaper

Unlocking Market Access for Cryptographic Module Security

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Our History

Impact for a fair society and a sustainable world

Our history and foundations reflect our ambition to make a positive impact for people and the planet.

Testimonial

“First awarded in 1929, the Royal Charter sets out our objectives: to simplify, standardize and improve business performance.”

Incorporated by Royal Charter The charter is an enabling document that sets out our purpose and defines our range of activities. Find out more

Testimonial

“The NSB's MoU with government recognizes British standards support UK public policy, drive growth, innovation, sustainability, safety and fair trade.”

BSI's Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government BSI’s MoU with government defines our public policy responsibilities as the UK’s NSB. Find out more

Testimonial

“As part of the NQI, BSI supports and facilitates international trade and economic growth through the development of international standards.”

The National Quality Infrastructure We're one of the five pillars of the NQI and we drive market confidence through standards. Find out more

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about standards and the NSB

Learn more about the NSB's activities.

Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first national standards body. Our role as the UK NSB is to help improve the quality and safety of products, services and systems by enabling the creation of standards and encouraging their use. We represent UK economic and social interests across all European and international standards organizations and in the development of business information solutions for British organizations of all sizes and sectors.

We publish over 3,100 standards each year. We bring together industry experts, government bodies, trade associations, businesses of all sizes and consumers to develop standards that reflect good business practice, protect consumers and facilitate economic growth.
As the NSB we:

Bring together UK stakeholders to build consensus of “what good looks like” on any topic.

Maintain the UK’s national catalogue of national and international standards.

Represent UK stakeholder interests in global standards organizations.

Propose UK national standards as a basis for international good practice.

Our status as the UK’s National Standards Body is recognized in a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK government. This states that standardization supports government in delivering its policy ambitions – from promoting better regulation to encouraging innovation, increasing trade and protecting the environment.
As the UK's NSB, BSI is the UK member of the international and European standards development organizations: ISO, IEC, CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI.

We facilitate expert participation in the technical work of these organizations, the outcomes of which form 95% of the UK’s national catalogue of standards. BSI also represents UK interests in the governance of the organizations, from setting the strategies through to updating the standards drafting rules. In fact, BSI is one of the world’s leading NSBs, with permanent seats on the ISO and IEC Boards, and managing over 175 international and European committees.
Standards are documents that set out agreed guidelines or frameworks, developed by experts through consensus, to ensure consistency, safety, efficiency and interoperability across industries.

By providing a common foundation for best practice, they promote quality, support innovation, and build trust between organizations, regulators and consumers.

They are developed by Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), and are regularly updated to evolve with technology, industry trends and stakeholder input.

Standards are typically voluntary but are widely adopted by organizations of all sizes - from startups to government bodies. Some standards apply across industries while others are industry specific.

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At BSI we don't just develop standards for today's industry needs, as a purposeful organization, we create purpose standards that address some of the most pressing issues facing our world.

Purpose standards are designed to drive positive societal, environmental and economic impact by enabling best practice on a range of topical social challenges. BSI's purpose standards are free of charge.

Some of our purpose standards include: BS 30416 - Menstruation, Menstrual Health and Menopause in the Workplace, BS 30480 - Suicide and the Workplace, BS 25700 - Organizational Responses to Modern Slavery and more.

By aligning our NSB work with the needs of society and the planet, we want to make a meaningful difference in the world.

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Standards are developed through a collaborative process involving industry experts, government agencies, consumer groups and other stakeholders. The process typically begins with the identification of a need for a new standard or revision of an existing one.

A technical committee or working group is formed to draft the standard, which undergoes a consensus-building process to ensure input from all relevant parties. Once consensus is reached, the standard is approved, published and periodically reviewed and updated to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

You can learn more about the different methods of standards development, or even get involved today.

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While both standards and regulations aim to promote safety and efficiency, they differ in that:

Standards are voluntary frameworks developed collaboratively by experts, industry, and stakeholders to promote quality, safety, and interoperability. They represent best practices but are not legally required, unless a regulation specifically references them. Although standards are voluntary, organizations often adopt them to achieve certification, demonstrate credibility, or meet customer and contractual expectations.

Regulations, by contrast, are mandatory legal requirements enforced by government authorities to protect public safety, health, and the environment. Non-compliance can result in penalties or legal action.

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Adopting standards offers businesses a wide range of benefits - by following proven frameworks developed by industry experts, organizations can streamline operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs. Standards provide clear guidance on best practices, helping businesses deliver consistent quality, enhance customer satisfaction and build credibility in competitive markets.

Beyond operational gains, standards enable innovation and open doors to new opportunities. Whether improving sustainability, ensuring data security, or strengthening internal culture, adopting standards empowers organizations of all sizes, particularly SMEs, to operate more effectively, grow with confidence and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

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DPC

Public consultation: Have your say on standards

Standards affect everyone and they work best when they reflect a broad range of voices. From industry experts to consumers, anyone can help shape a standard through public consultation.

BSI’s Draft for Public Comment (DPCs) lets everyone share their views on a draft version of a British Standard. By giving general, technical, or editorial feedback, you help make standards clearer, more practical and inclusive, ensuring they reflect diverse perspectives and strengthen safety, quality and trust for all.

Comment on a DPC DPC guide

Discover BSI's role as the UK's National Standards Body (NSB)

We're driving innovation, supporting government objectives and leading on critical global challenges. We're shaping a better future for all.

Standards System

We represent UK interests in international standards development

BSI represents the UK as a primary member of ISO, IEC, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, ensuring active UK influence in global standardization.

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Creating Impact

Our role is to share knowledge, foster innovation and instil best practice

In our trusted position, we collaborate on initiatives to help governments, public bodies and organizations globally maximize the value of standards.

Committee Members

Maintaining the UK’s global influence in standards development

We bring together over 12,000 standards-makers worldwide. Join a BSI committee as a volunteer and have your say on the development of standards.

Economic Benefits

Understanding the economic benefits of standards

Standards are a vital part of the strength of UK industry and play a crucial and often invisible role in supporting economic growth.

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CSN

The Commonwealth Standards Network

We are the founding member of the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) - a community that promotes using global standards to foster trade and growth.

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Consumers

Amplifying the voices of consumers

We are working towards a safer, fairer, better world where standards help organizations improve outcomes for consumers and minimize the risk of harm.

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Let's shape your organization's future together

Our expertise creates opportunity, giving you confidence in new ideas, access to new markets and shaping solutions.

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