Description
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO, based on the Greek work for "equal") is one of the most important of the international standards bodies. It is a federation of national standards institutes with over 130 members, including the Standards Council of Canada. Its mission is to promote the development of standardization to facilitate the international exchange of goods and services. Committee members include representatives of governments, industry, business and consumers. As such, it is a bridge between public and private sectors.
ISO's Consumer Policy Committee (COPOLCO) conducts research and proposes ISO work items on matters of interest to consumers. The Office of Consumer Affairs is an active participant in ISO COPOLCO, and in ISO standards work, including that pertaining to electronic commerce, complaints handling, personal information protection, dispute resolution, voluntary codes, and corporate social responsibility.
On behalf of ISO COPOLCO, the Office of Consumer Affairs currently facilitates two online Forums which operate as listserves. One pertains to E-Commerce and Standards, and the other addresses issues associated with Corporate Social Responsibility and Standards.
Contact Information:
Kernaghan Webb
E-mail: webb.kernaghan@ic.gc.ca
