ISO FORM 1
ISO/IEC JTC Quantum technologies
PROPOSAL FOR A NEW FIELD OF TECHNICAL ACTIVITYPROPOSER:DATE OF CIRCULATION:

BSI

2023-06-24
CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2023-09-16

A proposal for a new field of technical activity shall be submitted to the Office of the CEO (to tmb@iso.org),
which will process the proposal in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Clause 1.5.
Furthermore, a proposal will be considered as complete if every information field is complete and follows theguidelines for proposing and justifying a new field of activity given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C.

Statement from the ISO Technical Management Board and the IEC Standardization Management Board
The ISO Technical Management Board (TMB) and IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB), would liketo draw your attention to the BSI proposal under consideration in this consultation.
As this proposal may have implications and impact on existing work in other committees, we kindly request
your input on the scope of the proposed Joint Technical Committee (JTC). Please express your view on whether
standardization efforts in this field should be approached holistically within a single JTC or with a limited scopefor the new JTC maintaining current related activities in already existing technical bodies. Please provide a brief
rationale for your choice.
The TMB and SMB will jointly decide on the allocation of work after considering the comments of ISO and IEC
members obtained through the consultations.
Please submit your feedback using the usual commenting function. Your response is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your cooperation and valuable input.
TITLE(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.2)

ISO/IEC/JTC Quantum technologies
SCOPE(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.3)
Standardization in the field of quantum technologies
PURPOSE AND JUSTIFICATION (Please use the field immediately below or attach an annex.)(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.13)

Quantum technology (QT; quantum computing and closely related technology) is the second generation oftechnologies to exploit quantum effects, manipulating the quantum states of individual particles (eg photons oratoms). It promises revolutionary advances for some sectors of industry and society, with rapid financial growth.
For example, quantum sensing has applications in a wide variety of fields, including distributed, high-precisiontime, magnetic-field sensors, inertial sensors, and distributed quantum computing; quantum communications,in principle, will be invulnerable to eavesdropping.
Various industrial sectors, as highlighted by IEC SEG 14, have also started to apply quantum technologies,
such as in aviation and space, energy and oil, finance and insurance, logistics and distribution, health andmedical care, chemical and materials. Although hardware products currently dominate quantum developments,
software and service products are steadily on the rise.
Whilst standards for some aspects of quantum technologies are already under development, there is a pressing
need to begin standardization at the global level, for example in: quantum computing (device characterization,
hardware and software benchmarking), quantum simulation (validation of results, common languages),quantum sources (characterization of single photon/electron sources), quantum detectors (calibration andcharacterization of single-photon avalanche photodiodes), quantum communications (characterization ofquantum random number generators, specifications for quantum key distribution products and systems).
To prevent multiple and competing standards from confusing and fragmenting the market, taxing the limited
community of experts, as well as to ensure that there is a coordinated effort within a unified governancestructure to streamline technical contributions and to maximise their impact, it is vital that IEC and ISO establish
a new Joint Technical Committee to produce a comprehensive, robust, and consistent suite of standards thatcater to the global quantum marketplace.

PROPOSED INITIAL PROGRAMME OF WORK (Please use the field immediately below or attach an annex)Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C.4.4 and C-4.5)
For each item, the initial work programme shall define the deliverable type and target dates. The initial work
programme shall also assign priorities to the different items.
Proposed priority areas and deliverables include:
Quantum computing- device characterization, classification- qubit and gate characterization, test methods- hardware and software benchmarking, specifications and test methods- quantum internet definition and requirements, vocabulary and specifications
Fundamental quantum technologies- characterization of ion traps, colour centres, etc, test methods
Quantum simulation- validation of results, test methods- common languages, specification
Quantum sources- characterization of single photon/electron sources, test methods- characterization of entangled photon sources, test methods
Quantum metrology- Metrics and characterization of quantum technologies

Quantum detectors- calibration and characterization of single-photon detectors, test methods
Related areas and deliverables, for which the JTC would monitor and provide expertise:
Quantum communications- characterization of quantum random number generators, test methods- quantum key distribution products and systems, guides, specifications and test methods- guidance on integrated approach with post-quantum cryptography, guides
Low-loss photonics- characterization of photonic integrated circuits- requirements for low insertion-loss and low-loss fibre couplers, specifications- requirements for fibre couplers outside the 1550 nm telecoms window, specifications
Radio-frequency electronics for cryogenic temperatures- requirements for RF connectors and other components to operate at <4K or <77K
Within this new JTC a detailed work programme delivery plan will be agreed once it has been
constituted, including initial work items and the process by which the delivery plan will evolve withthe rapidly changing QT industry. Device characterisation, benchmarking, use case are examples ofactive discussions already under way. Existing work on planning, prioritization and consideration ofopportunities for collaboration can be seen in the annex, which will be useful reference material indeveloping future deliveries. We expect the work programme to evolve based on input from groups
such as IEC SEG 14, maturity of each type of quantum technology and input from stakeholders.
RELATION OF THE PROPOSAL TO EXISTING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND ON-GOING
STANDARDIZATION WORK☒ The proposer has checked whether the proposed scope of the new committee overlaps with the scope ofany existing ISO or IEC committee or JTC1 sub-committee
Note: A review of the scope and any overlap has been carried out by the proposer. Whilst there is some overlap
with JTC 1 in very select areas, based on some of the comments made by members of the technical boards onthe prior proposal and from SEG 14, quantum technology (QT) encompasses a broader scope than quantum
information technology (QIT). The IT aspects of quantum are being codeveloped with the physical aspects ofquantum. Thus, the appropriate structure to develop quantum standards will need to include both the IT and
non-IT aspects of quantum.
For example, as noted by experts in the field, the development of topological materials in itself does not fit within the scopeof IT but takes on IT relevance when those materials are used for qubits – and that use may motivate further materials
research. Similarly, quantum sensors on their own do does not fall within the scope of IT, but networks of quantum sensors
would be IT-relevant and may imply changes to the sensor primitives. QIT cannot be disentangled from QT. Therefore, anew Joint Technical Committee is required, and standardization needs to be pursued holistically.

☐If an overlap or the potential for overlap is identified, the affected committee has been informed and anagreement has been reached between proposer and committee oni. modification/restriction of the scope of the proposal to avoid overlapping,ii. potential modification/restriction of the scope of the existing committee to avoid overlapping.

☐If agreement with the existing committee has not been reached, please explain why the proposal should
be approved.

Click or tap here to enter text.

☐Have proposals on this subject been submitted into an existing committee and rejected? If so, what were
the reasons for rejection?

Click or tap here to enter text.
LISTING OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS (SUCH AS STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS) AT
INTERNATIONAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.6)
General quantum technologies
IEEEIn draft
P7130 Standard for Quantum Technologies Definitions
Quantum communications
ETSI
PublishedETSI GS QKD 002 V1.1.1 (2010-06) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Use Cases
ETSI GR QKD 003 V2.1.1 (2018-03) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Components and InternalInterfaces
ETSI GS QKD 004 V2.1.1 (2020-08) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Application Interface
ETSI GS QKD 005 V1.1.1 (2010-12) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Security Proofs
ETSI GR QKD 007 V1.1.1 (2018-12) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Vocabulary
ETSI GS QKD 008 V1.1.1 (2010-12) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); QKD Module Security
Specification
ETSI GS QKD 011 V1.1.1 (2016-05) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Component characterization:
characterizing optical components for QKD systems
ETSI GS QKD 012 V1.1.1 (2019-02) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Device and Communication
Channel Parameters for QKD Deployment
ETSI GS QKD 014 V1.1.1 (2019-02) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Protocol and data format ofREST-based key delivery APIETSI GS QKD 015 V2.1.1 (2022-04) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Control Interface for Software
Defined Networks
ETSI GS QKD 018 V1.1.1 (2022-04) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Orchestration Interface forSoftware Defined Networks
ETSI White Paper No. 27 Implementation Security of Quantum Cryptography: Introduction,challenges, solutions
In draftETSI GS QKD 013 V1.1.2 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Characterisation of Optical Output ofQKD transmitter modules

ETSI GS QKD 016 V1.1.1 QKD Common Criteria Protection Profile for QKDETSI GS QKD 017 V1.1.1 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Network architecturesETSI GS QKD 018 V1.1.1 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Orchestration Interface of Software
Defined Networks
ETSI GS QKD 019 V1.1.1 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Design of QKD interfaces withAuthentication
ISO/IEC
In draft
ISO/IEC 23737-1
Information technology security techniques — Security requirements, test andevaluation methods for quantum key distribution — Part 1: Requirements
ISO/IEC 23837-2
Information technology security techniques — Security requirements, test andevaluation methods for quantum key distribution — Part 2: Evaluation and testing methods
IEEEIn draft
P1913 Software-Defined Quantum Communication
ITU-T
PublishedY.3800 Cor1 Overview on networks supporting quantum key distribution
Y.3801 Functional requirements for quantum key distribution networks
Y.3802 Cor1 Quantum key distribution networks – Functional architecture
Y.3803 Quantum key distribution networks – Key management
Y.3804 Quantum key distribution networks – Control and management
Y.3805 Quantum key distribution networks – Software-defined networking control
Y.3806 Quantum key distribution networks – Requirements for quality of service assurance
Y.3807 Quantum key distribution networks – Quality of service parameters
Y.3808 Framework for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network
Y.3809 A role-based model in quantum key distribution networks deployment
Y Suppl 70 ITU-T Y.3800-series – Quantum key distribution networks - Applications of machinelearning
X.1710 Security framework for quantum key distribution networks
X.1712 Cor1 Security requirements and measures for quantum key distribution networks – keymanagement
X.1714 Key combination and confidential key supply for quantum key distribution networks
In draft

Y.QKDN-iwfr Quantum key distribution networks - interworking framework
Y.QKDN-iwrq Quantum key distribution networks - interworking requirements
Y.QKDN-ml-fra Quantum key distribution networks - functional requirements and architecture toenable machine learning
Y.QKDN-rsfr Quantum key distribution networks - resilience framework
Y.supp.QKDN-roadmap Standardization roadmap on Quantum Key Distribution Networks
Y.TR-QEFN ITU-T's Views for Quantum-Enabled Future Networks
Quantum computing and simulation
IEEEIn draft
P3155 Standard for Programmable Quantum Simulator
P3120 Standard for Quantum Computing Architecture
P2995 Trial-Use Standard for a Quantum Algorithm Design and Development
P7131 Standard for Quantum Computing Performance Metrics & Performance Benchmarking
ISO/IEC
In draft
ISO/IEC 4879 Information technology -- Quantum computing -- Terminology and vocabulary
CEN/CENELEC
Quantum Technologies Standardisation Roadmap
The listing of relevant documents is limited to standards at this moment as no regulation on thistopic has been identified.
LISTING OF RELEVANT COUNTRIES WHERE THE SUBJECT OF THE PROPOSAL IS IMPORTANT TO
THEIR NATIONAL COMMERCIAL INTERESTS(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.8)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea,Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK, US. This list is not exhaustive.
LISTING OF RELEVANT EXTERNAL INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OR INTERNAL PARTIES(OTHER THAN ISO AND/OR IEC COMMITTEES) TO BE ENGAGED AS LIASONS IN THIS WORK
(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Clause C.4.9)
Interested organisations might include ITU, ETSI, EC, IEEE, and IETF. QED-C, European QuIC andother regional industry organizations should also be invited as liaison organizations. Moreover, as
highlighted by IEC SEG 14, quantum technology standards development should be pursued in anintegrated fashion and the new JTC should include an extensive systems integration function toavoid duplication of efforts. Many different SDOs are conducting efforts to address a variety ofneeds. The new JTC should establish communications and pursue relationships with key SDOs,NCs, NSBs and other entities engaged in activities relevant to quantum standardization, e.g., thenewly constituted CEN/CLC/JTC 22, and incorporate and align their activities as appropriate.

IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RELEVANT AFFECTED STAKEHOLDER CATEGORIES(Please see ISO Connect)Benefits/Impacts/Examples
Industry and commerce – large industry

Improved confidence and the simplification of trade in
products and services/faster, more sustainablegrowth in the market/for example, in selling access toquantum computer services

Industry and commerce – SMEs

Simplified access to markets for innovative SMEs
and SMEs providing support services,
subcomponents and products to a new market as it
grows and changes/faster, more confident growthand greater certainty in the stability of the market/for
example, software developers focused on detailed
aspects of algorithm development or error-correction.

Government

Enhanced return-on-investment in a new industry by
avoiding nation- or region-specificapproaches/promotion of national policy throughconsensus of international standards/for example,
ensuring the consideration of qubit technologies inwhich their nation/region is invested

Consumers

Ensure that consumer issues such as equitable
access to new technology is considered and that its
implementation does not disproportionately affectany group in society (poorer, vulnerable, ethnic
minorities, etc)/internationally agreed guidelines/for
example, in quantum computing for optimisation ofpublic transport provision, awareness that routes
provided to less able groups might be inherently
slower.

LabourEnsure that workers in these new industries arerespected and rewarded in compliance withinternationally recognised rights, with support for adiverse workforce/the new industry will be moresustainable and will benefit from direct involvementof diverse individuals

Academic and research bodies

Quantum technology is still under rapid developmentfrom proof-of-principle to commercialization, so
academics and research bodies will play a vital rolein ensuring that innovation is not inadvertantly stifledin standards development/both the pace ofdevelopment and content of new standards willremain open to innovation/for example, qubit
characterization will remain technology agnostic, toremain relevant to technologies that are not yet
commercializedStandards application businesses

Certification and accredditation of quantum
technologies will be comparable globally/providers ofcertification services will be more easily comparable
and setting up schemes will be straightforward/for
example, in certifying components for use incryogenic temperatures.

Non-governmental organizations

Include guidance on sustainable and sociallyequitable operations, products and services/help
avoid unjustified claims of the benefits of the newtechnology (which in turn would discredit theindustry)/for example, provide a holistic estimate ofenergy impact of quantum computing

Other (please specify)

Related technical and subcommittees across ISO,
IEC, CEN, CENELEC.

EXPRESSION OF LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT FROM THE PROPOSER(Please see the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Annex C, Clause C.4.12)
BSI commits to provide the secretariat for the new JTC if approved.
☒ The proposer confirms that this proposal has been drafted in compliance with ISO/IEC directives,
part 1, annex c
SIGNATURE OF THE PROPOSER
Click or tap here to enter text.
COMMENTS OF THE ISO CENTRAL OFFICE (IF ANY)This revised JTC proposal has also been submitted to the IEC Secretariat, as a joint approval is required byISO and IEC.