Standards are established by a number of nationally and internationally recognized organizations. Many of these organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and American Welding Society (AWS), for example, are associated with a specific industry or area of expertise. Some organizations, such as the Canadian Standards Association, develop regional and national standards in a wide range of subject areas.
Standards organizations work with interested parties—including industry representatives, consumers, and regulatory bodies—to define the requirements that become the published standard.