Abstract
This article discussed the importance of standardization. In the first part, the fundamentals of ISO standards and World Trade Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT agreement) are summarized. According to the WTO-TBT agreement, JIS standards have to comply with international standards such as ISO and IEC. Since the international standards influence businesses, major companies base their strategies for standardization activities, for example, the introduction of standardization for "Suica" by East Japan Railway Company (JR East Railway) and "enabling switch" by NECA. The activity of ISO⁄TC130 (Graphic Technology) is also shown. A recent trend in standardization is the establishing of management standards. In fact, the ISO⁄TC130 has new work proposals for quality management and security management. In addition, other new working groups for carbon footprint (environment impacts) and postpress have been lunched. The activities of ISO⁄TC130 Japanese National Committee are also introduced. Finally, the author will summarize the points for participating in ISO activities.
