Introduction to Alliance International Standards
Highlighting Global Participation & Differences from "Group Standards"
I. What are Alliance International Standards?
Alliance International Standards are international standards developed, revised, and published by the International Alliance for Regional Innovation and Standardization (the "Alliance"). They may be voluntarily adopted by member organizations, branches, and any interested organizations or individuals worldwide. Unlike typical "group standards" that are often confined to a single country or a specific industry association, Alliance International Standards are global in nature, coordinate with existing international standard systems, and aim to advance the internationalization of innovative standards.
II. Two Key Differences from Conventional Group Standards
Difference 1 – Truly International, not Domestic
- Group standards are usually issued by a national or regional association/union and used mainly within its member states or corporate members.
- Alliance International Standards require experts from at least five different countries/regions (Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan region are counted separately) to participate in development. The standards are written in both English and Chinese, published globally, and designed to complement international systems such as ISO and IEC.
Difference 2 – Open Legal Status and Applicability
- Group standards often apply only to member entities, and non-members are generally excluded from their development.
- Alliance International Standards are not restricted to Alliance members. Any organization, enterprise, research institution, or even individual from any country may voluntarily adopt them. Copyright belongs to the Alliance, but adoption does not require membership fees (subject to Alliance policies). The development process is fully transparent.
III. How to Enable Broader Participation – Two Open Mechanisms
Mechanism 1 – Open Proposal and Drafting
- Not only organizational and individual members of the Alliance can submit new work item proposals. Branches, the Secretariat, and even other standardization-related organizations and bodies (including non-members) may also submit proposals.
- The proposer only needs to complete the "Application Form for Development/Revision Project Proposal", provide a working draft outline, and appoint a project leader. No prior membership is required.
Mechanism 2 – Global Public Consultation
- Every draft standard must be posted on the Alliance's official website www.iaris.org for 30 days of public consultation. Producers, consumers, administrators, researchers from any country – whether Alliance members or not – may complete a "Single Ballot Voting Form" and submit comments.
- There is no restriction based on nationality or membership status. Failure to respond by the deadline is deemed as no objection. Every comment is carefully processed and recorded in the "Summary of Comments Processing Form".
Additionally, a fast-track procedure is available for technically mature or urgently needed standards, with a minimum development cycle of 3 months, further lowering the barrier to participation.
IV. Other Key Features (Numbering, Languages, Review)
- Numbering format: IARIS serial number – year of publication (e.g., IARIS 1-2026)
- Published in English and Chinese; in case of discrepancy, the Chinese text prevails
- Reviewed every 5 years to ensure continued relevance
- The Alliance Secretariat, through its International Standards Department and Standard Review Expert Committee, manages the entire process
