Frequently Asked Questions - Standards Development
Frequently Asked Questions - Standards Development
When called on to develop a standard, CSA forms a committee composed of volunteer members. The volunteers are selected to represent the various interest groups most likely to be affected by the standard, such as business and industry, regulatory bodies, science and academia, labour, and consumer groups, as applicable.
CSA standards committees are created using a balanced matrix approach. This means that each committee is structured to capitalize on the combined strengths and expertise of its members—with no single group dominating.
When developing a standard, CSA committee members aim for substantial agreement among the interest groups represented on the committee. The committee considers the views of all participants and develops the content by a consensus process but not necessarily unanimity. When a draft standard has been agreed upon, it is submitted for public review and amended if necessary.
No, we are an independent, not-for-profit organization.
We are a member-based organization governed by a Board of Directors. The majority of directors are elected by the voting membership. The others are appointed by the elected board members.
Our 9000 members come from all walks of life and all professions. They contribute to more than 1300 committees involved in the development of standards for thousands of products, materials, and services.
Standards are funded by CSA and stakeholders interested in the process. This can include government, industry, and associations. Typically a standard is funded through a combination of these sources. Our standards development process ensures that the content of the standard is not influenced by the way that it is funded.
Published standards are reviewed, updated, and fine-tuned regularly in an effort to reflect the latest developments in safety and technology, as well as the current realities of the marketplace.
On behalf of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), CSA represents Canada on various ISO committees, such as ISO/TC 176 on Quality Management and ISO/TC 207 on Environmental Management.
CSA works closely with IEC, developing and harmonizing standards.
CSA has a network of consumer volunteers who provide input to our standards and activities. Roughly one-third of these volunteers work directly on standards development committees or on strategic committees where they can influence a family of standards. Others provide input through surveys, forums, and other outreach activities.
CSA has published more than 2000 voluntary standards to date in a wide range of subject areas.
The best practices for drafting a regulatory instrument to include a standard by reference have been established by Standards Council of Canada in its document “Key Considerations in the Development and Use of Standards in Legislative Instruments”.