What consumers want

Consumers have expectations about the design, performance, safety, quality and reliability of the products and services that they buy and use. ISO standards support the development and trade of products and services which better meet consumers’ expectations.

Standards often define the characteristics of products and services, and the way to measure them.  Consumers wish to influence these characteristics so that products and services provide higher levels of:

• quality and reliability
• protection of safety and health
• compatibility between products
• consistency in the delivery of services
• choice of goods and services
• transparency in product information
• fair competition, hence lower prices for consumers
• suitability of products for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly)
• environmental protection

When the end product or service meets the consumer’s requirements, this creates a win-win situation – both for the consumer and manufacturer or service provider.