The procedure takes into consideration a survey of know existing standards and the needs and opinions of a wide variety of interests concerned with the subject matter of the standard. Thus manufacturers, consumers, individuals associated with consumer-oriented organizations, academicians, government officials, industrial and commercial users, inspection authorities, insurance interests and others provide input to UL in the formulating of UL Standards for Safety, to keep them consonant with social and technological advances. NSF is perhaps the best known for its role in the developing of standards and criteria for equipment, products, and services that bear upon health. The NSF Mark is widely recognized as a sign that the article which it is affixed compiles with the applicable NSF standard. CSA International's purpose is to make standards work for people and business.
Standards provide safety or performance requirements for products and services.
CSA Standards are developed by committees, using a consensus approach. CSA International committee members represent groups most involved in a particular standard. The process usually starts when a request is made from a manufacturer, industry association, consumer group, educational institute, or government body to help with a particular safety, performance, or quality issue.