Alliance International Standards: A Core Benefit of Membership
The International Alliance for Regional Innovation and Standardization (IARIS) is a membership-driven organization. The development, revision, and publication of Alliance International Standards are first and foremost a right open to Alliance members. By becoming a member, you gain a central seat at the table of global innovation standardization, leading or influencing the direction of international standards.
For non-members: You are welcome to learn about Alliance standards and provide comments during public consultation. However, if you wish to participate deeply (e.g., proposing a new standard, joining a drafting group, or voting in review meetings), we encourage you to apply for membership (organizational or individual). In exceptional cases, non-members may join as observers with Secretariat approval (agreement and possible fee required).
I. Participation Modes and Membership Requirements
| Activity | Membership Required? | Notes |
|---|
| Propose a new standard | ✓ Yes – must be an organizational member, individual member, or branch | Proposer must be an authorized representative of a member entity |
| Join a drafting working group | ✓ Yes – members' experts are prioritized | In rare cases, non-member experts may be invited (no voting rights) |
| Comment on public drafts | ✗ No – fully open to the public | Main channel for non-members to contribute |
| Attend review meetings and vote | ✓ Yes – voters must be registered Alliance experts (nominated by members) | Voting rights are exclusive to pool members |
| Join the Expert Review Pool | ✓ Yes – nominated by member entities or individual members | Non-member applications are considered but member-nominated experts get priority |
II. How Members Can Participate
Path 1: Propose a New Standard
- Eligibility: Organizational members, individual members, branches.
- Steps: Complete application form, provide draft (at least outline), appoint project leader.
- Benefit: The member entity can lead the drafting and be listed as "Lead Drafter" in the standard.
Path 2: Join a Drafting Working Group
- After project approval, members may nominate experts to the working group.
- The working group leader is the proposer or their designee.
Path 3: Review and Vote
- The Alliance selects reviewers from the Expert Review Pool. Pool members are nominated by member entities.
- Voting rights are limited to pool members.
Path 4: Access Standards and Training
- Members receive all Alliance International Standards free of charge.
- Members get priority for standardization training and international events.
Path 5: Upgrade a Branch Standard
- Alliance branches (which must be formal members) can fast-track their trial standards to become full Alliance International Standards.
III. Opportunities for Non-Members (Limited)
To gather broader input and maintain public credibility, the Alliance offers the following to non-members:
1. Public consultation: All committee drafts are posted for 30 days. Anyone may submit a "Single Ballot Voting Form". Comments are considered and recorded, but non-members do not participate in final decisions.
2. Observer status: With Secretariat approval, non-member organizations may attend review meetings as observers (no voting rights, confidentiality agreement and possible fee required).
3. Mature standard conversion: Holders of mature standards (e.g., enterprise or association standards) may collaborate with an Alliance member, who submits the proposal on their behalf. The original holder may serve as a technical advisor (non-member).
IV. How to Become a Member
If you wish to deeply engage in Alliance International Standard setting, we invite you to join.
- Membership types: Organizational (enterprises, research institutes, associations) and Individual (experts and scholars).
- Apply: Visit www.iaris.org → "Join Us".
- Annual fee: Contact the Secretariat for details.
- Key member benefits:
Propose and lead standard development;
Nominate experts to the Review Pool;
Free access to all Alliance standards;
Participate in governance (e.g., Council elections).
V. Fast-Track Procedure (Member-Priority)
The fast-track procedure (minimum 3 months) is available for mature or urgently needed standards, but the proposing party must be an Alliance member. Non-members may use the fast track only by first becoming a member or co-proposing with a member.
VI. Start Participating
| Your Role | Suggested Action |
|---|
| Already a member | Contact the International Standards Department to propose a standard or nominate experts |
| Want to become a member | Visit www.iaris.org/join |
| Non-member, only want to comment | Check "Public Consultation" on the website and submit a ballot within 30 days |
| Non-member with a mature standard | Find an Alliance member as partner to submit the proposal on your behalf |
Contact
- Website: www.iaris.org
- International Standards Department: standards@iaris.org
- Membership Services: office@iaris.org
Alliance International Standards – serving members first, influencing the world.
