What are standards?
Standards are documents that set out agreed ways of doing things. They provide clear, practical guidance to help organizations achieve consistent quality, ensure safety, and improve how they operate.
Standards are written by industry experts, consumers, and other stakeholders who are brought together by BSI to share knowledge and agree on best practice. The result is a document that provides a reliable benchmark to help organizations improve how they work, meet industry expectations, and drive business success.
Explore our educational resources to learn more about standards and their value to your organization.
A beginner’s guide to standards video series
We break down what a standard is, what the benefits are and how to implement and certify to one in this four-part series.
A beginner's guide to standards eGuide
Everything you need to know about standards in one easy-to-read guide
The Standards Show
Bringing you the stories behind the standards. Join Matthew Chiles and Cindy Parokkil for conversations with the people and organizations involved in standards.
The impact of standards
Standards are essential for businesses seeking to work more efficiently and demonstrate credibility. By using standards, organizations can:
- Streamline operations and reduce waste
- Boost quality and customer satisfaction
- Access new markets and navigate regulations
- Strengthen resilience and manage risks
- Show commitment to sustainability and ethical practices
But don't just take our word for it...
See how standards have benefited businesses just like yours in the case studies and infographic below.
Standards made simple
Whether you are looking to scale your business, ensure you meet regulatory requirements, or reduce production or operational costs, standards can help you achieve your goals. However, knowing where to start can feel daunting. Explore our free resources below to help you take the first step on your standardization journey.
Free standards? Yes please
Still unsure whether standards are right for your organization? We have published a range of standards that can be downloaded for free to support your organization in addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges – from eradicating modern slavery in supply chains, to implementing net zero transition plans. Learn more about some of these standards here, discover how a free standard is helping a small business empower other small businesses to begin their net zero journey here, or browse our full standards library by visiting our shop below.
Helping micro businesses access standards
As part of our commitment to making standards more accessible, we are offering micro businesses affordable access to our complete portfolio of standards. We recognise that purchasing and adopting standards can be more challenging for smaller businesses. This offer provides even the smallest organizations with the opportunity to adopt key standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, along with many industry-specific standards that may be relevant to your sector.
What’s included?
Unlimited, view-only access to around 90,000 BS, BS EN, BS ISO/IEC and BS PAS standards through the Knowledge Library, with tools to search, browse and track updates.
Eligibility and Cost
For micro businesses (no more than 10 employees, and less than £632K turnover or £316K on the balance sheets), with 1-5 employees the cost is just £360 per year (plus VAT), which you could otherwise pay for just one standard. For micro businesses with 6-10 employees, the cost is £750 (plus VAT).
If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please fill in the form and one of our team will be in touch. Please note this offer is open to UK businesses only.
BSI: Your National Standards Body
Appointed by the UK government, BSI serves as the UK's National Standards Body (NSB). We represent the UK in international standardization, ensuring British perspectives shape global best practices.
We’re here to empower businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike - fostering innovation, building trust, and driving economic growth through the power of standards. Whether you're a startup exploring new markets or a government shaping the future, we are your partner in progress, ready to guide, support, and champion your journey every step of the way.
