Stakeholders in international standardization comprise all those groups who have an interest in international standardization because they are affected by it and wish therefore to contribute to the process of the development of International Standards. Stakeholders participate in the technical work of ISO through national delegations appointed by the member bodies of ISO or, if they are organized in international or broadly-based organizations, through liaison organizations. National delegations are normally composed of a mix of the stakeholder groups listed below and represent national positions which have been consolidated at the national level prior to the participation of delegations at ISO meetings.

The following main groups of stakeholders can be discerned.

• Industry and industry/trade associations

This stakeholder group comprises manufacturers from all industry sectors, trading companies, retailers, importers and exporters and any associations through which these stakeholders may be represented. This group also includes industry associations representing small and medium enterprises.

• Science and academia

This group comprises researchers from universities and other types of research institutions, laboraroy staff, etc.

• Consumers and consumer associations

Consumers are normally organized within consumer associations at national, regional or international level.

• Governments and regulators

National governments and regulators at national or regional level are another important stakeholder group providing the link between legal and technical aspects which influence the development of standards.

• Societal and other interests

There are additional interests addressing societal, environmental and other issues which are often represented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).