Difference Between ASTM and ISO Standards (With Table)

ASTM refers to a standards organization that serves the function of improving the quality of products, enhancing health and safety, and strengthening market access and trade. The main duty for drafting the standards lies in the hands of the ASTM technical committee. ASTM standards cover a wide variety of areas including paints, petroleum, energy, and environment. 

ISO refers to an international organisation that publishes technical, industrial, and commercial standards for the world. ISO Standards are often viewed as a formula that provides an in depth description of doing everything effectively. In addition, it is an independent, non-government organization. 

Comparison Table Between ASTM and ISO Standards

What are ASTM Standards?

ASTM refers to a standards organization. The main function of ASTM is to develop and publish voluntary consensus technical standards for a large number of products, services, systems, and materials. The initial name of ASTM was American Society For Testing and Materials. ASTM was launched in 1902.

The standards proposed by ASTM are voluntary. However, they are a vital part of several laws, codes, and regulations around the globe. The main duty for drafting the standards lies in the hands of the ASTM technical committee. Such committees usually comprise consumers, producers, users, and general interest parties. There are six types of standards developed by ASTM. 

The standards are test method, classification, specification, guide, practice, and terminology standards. In a test method, there is a brief description of a procedure including details such as the test apparatus and test calculations. In a specification standard, there is in-depth information about the conditions that a product or material must satisfy. 

A practice standard enlists the steps that are necessary to carry out a task or an operation. A guide standard, on the other hand, offers several choices, but it lacks information regarding a specific course of action. As evident by name, a terminology standard provides insights into the abbreviations and terminologies that are used by industry or any other organisation. 

What are ISO Standards?

ISO refers to an international organisation that publishes technical, industrial, and commercial standards for the world. ISO was founded on 23 February 1947. The ISO comprises member organisations from 165 countries across the globe. In addition, it is an independent, non-government organization. There are more than twenty thousand standards prescribed by ISO. 

The most popular ISO Standards include ISO 14001, ISO 27000, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, ISO 13485, and ISO 31000. ISO 14001 revolves around environmental issues. ISO 14001 builds the base for an Environmental Management System. ISO 27000 covers information technology. The main objective is to provide protection to company assets. 

ISO 22000 revolves around food safety. It is intended to develop and implement a food management system and assist any firm in the food chain. In addition, ISO 50001 intends to improve energy consumption and efficiency by setting up an energy management system. ISO 13485 is specific to the health industry and lays emphasis on the manufacturing of medical equipment.

ISO 31000 is mainly concerned with the establishment of a risk management system to ensure that organisations are able to manage risks in an effective manner. There are several other ISO standards such as ISO 26000, ISO 20121, and ISO 16949. The ISO standards thus assist in the creation of products and materials that are safe, eligible, and of good quality. 

Main Differences Between ASTM Standards and ISO Standards 

1. ASTM is a national organisation that is a part of the ISO organisation. On the other hand, ISO is an international organisation that incorporates ASTM. 
2. While ASTM was launched in 1902,  ISO was founded on 23 February 1947.
3. ASTM Standards are considered less valid than ISO standards. On the other hand, ISO Standards are considered more valid than ASTM Standards.
4. There are six types of standards developed by ASTM. In contrast, there are more than twenty thousand standards prescribed by ISO. 
5. ASTM Standards involve a small scale participation of experts as compared to ISO Standards. On the other hand, ISO standards are formulated by the expert professionals from 165 countries.

Conclusion

Thus, ASTM and ISO Standards vary on several grounds. The ASTM standards are test method, classification, specification, guide, practice, and terminology standards. In contrast, some ISO Standards are  ISO 14001, ISO 27000, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, ISO 13485, and ISO 31000. 

The common function performed by both the ASTM and ISO Standards is that they ensure a minimum quality check on several different goods and services. For instance, they are helpful to businesses to boost their productivity and reduce waste generation. Similarly, such standards are crucial for the protection of the environment. To conclude, both ASTM and ISO Standards serve a pivotal purpose today. 

References

1. https://www.cabem.com/top-10-most-popular-iso-standards/ 
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTM_International#:~:text=ASTM%20International%2C%20formerly%20known%20as,products%2C%20systems%2C%20and%20services.