The International Organization for Standardization
An international standard-setting body composed of representatives from national standards bodies.
Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization produces world-wide industrial and commercial standards, the so-called ISO standards.
While the ISO defines itself as a non-governmental organization (NGO), its ability to set standards which often become law through treaties or national standards makes it more powerful than most NGOs, and in practice it acts as a consortium with strong links to governments.
The mission of ISO is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity. ISO’s work results in international agreements which are published as International Standards.
Established standards for paper sizes based on the metric system (millimeters).
The standards have been grouped into three different series of requirements.
The “A-series” is for general printing.