Standardization News

International ASTM membership is increasing, as is the use of ASTM standards in technical regulations.

For over a century, this standards organization has done one thing consistently. It has steadfastly supported the needs and visions of its members, a philosophy that has proved to be more than just a good idea. It thrust ASTM International onto the world stage and into the global marketplace. An interesting question now might be, "Where is this way of thinking taking us?" Let's look at the trends.

Membership in ASTM International in the regions of Africa, Australasia, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East has steadily increased, in general and also within specific product areas. For instance, in Committee D24 on Carbon Black, non-U.S. membership is at 44 percent. In E61 on Radiation Processing, it is at 41 percent, and in G01 on Corrosion of Metals, it is at 55 percent. The number of international members varies from committee to committee, but the trends are telling and steady.

ASTM's memorandum of understanding program, which embodies the World Trade Organization/Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade principle of outreach to developing countries, has significantly contributed to the increase in international members. At present, 90 countries have enrolled in the MOU program along with four regional signatories (from the Caribbean, the Gulf region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the African regional organization). Membership from more industrialized countries has also been on the rise.

ASTM's adoption of WTO/TBT criteria for the development of international standards has undoubtedly inspired confidence on the part of market regulators and exporters. To date, over 6,700 ASTM standards are referenced in technical regulations in countries other than the United States. This number has also increased steadily over the past five years.

While controversies surround the structural organization of international standardization and international standards bodies, ASTM International members and their governments continue to be pragmatic, choosing whenever possible the most effective tools to improve health, safety and the environment; build infrastructures; and influence global markets. They choose the standards they themselves help create.

The number of government members from countries outside the United States is increasing, including those from highly industrialized nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. International student memberships are increasing.

International worldviews are present throughout ASTM International, from its technical committees to its highest governing body, the board of directors. Countries represented on the board have included the Arab States, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands and Sweden.

While no one can predict the future with any degree of certainty, it is important to be aware of trends and movements, and the degree to which the ASTM standard is accepted in multiple markets. What is apparent now is this: international membership in ASTM is increasing, as is the use of our standards in the technical regulations of multiple markets, at a steady pace.

The next question is, why? Undoubtedly, the quality and global relevance of ASTM standards is the primary cause. But underlying the technical content and international experience embedded in these documents is an intangible, human component that must never be underestimated, and that is the attraction and the power of opportunity. Science and technology long for freedom of expression, and that is what is offered here. No restrictions, no impediments and no conditions are imposed on the individual's right to a seat at the table or a voice in the process. It is from here that quality and global relevance spring.

This is ASTM's strength. Politics and controversies do not reduce it. Definitions do not enclose it. It exists as it is, open, inclusive, empowering. And trending outward.

James A. Thomas

President, ASTM International