Standar

Standar, in Indonesian and Malay, denotes a norm, rule, or criterion used as a basis for assessment or comparison. In English and many other languages, the term standard carries similar meanings. The concept is central to standardization, the process of establishing and applying minimum requirements to products, services, or processes.

Standards are typically developed by consensus within organizations and issued by national, regional, or international bodies. They may be voluntary or become de facto or regulatory requirements when adopted by markets, governments, or industry groups.

Major international bodies include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which collaborate through joint standards; regional groups like the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). International and national bodies such as ANSI and BSI publish thousands of standards across various sectors.

Standards cover categories such as product specifications, process and management standards (for quality, environmental, and information security), test methods, terminology, and measurement standards. Examples include ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO/IEC 27001 for information security, and IEEE or ITU specifications for communications.

The standardization process typically involves scoping, drafting, public review, testing, and formal approval by a consensus body. Compliance may be voluntary, but markets and regulators often render adherence practical or mandatory.

In Indonesia, Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) serves as the national standard for many products and services, reflecting how standards influence trade, safety, and consumer protection.