The National Standards System is Canada's network of people and organizations involved in the development, promotion and implementation of standards. Through the collaborative effort of the System's members, Canada's standards help advance the social and economic well being of the country and safeguard the health and safety of Canadians.

Overseen by the Standards Council of Canada, the National Standards System consists of over 350 organizations and 15,000 volunteers.

• Calibration and testing laboratories - Calibration and testing laboratories test products and calibrate measuring equipment to verify that they meet the requirements of specific standards.
• Consumers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - Consumers and NGOs ensure that the NSS takes into account societal concerns, including the environment, health, safety and privacy. Consumers and NGO representatives bring the human element to the development of standards and standards strategies.
• Governments - Governments rely on the NSS to help them negotiate trade agreements and as part of the regulatory system. Government participation ensures that the NSS supports trade and public policy.
• Industry - Industry relies on the standards and conformity assessment services of the NSS to develop and market products globally. Industry's participation helps ensure standards and standards strategies are good for business.
• Inspection Bodies - Inspection bodies assess the safety and fitness for use of specific products and materials, confirming that the associated facilities, equipment and systems are appropriate to the work being performed. Inspections are not limited to physical assets and can also include the assessment of services.
• International and regional standardization bodies - International and regional standardization bodies work towards the global harmonization of standards to liberalize trade, address common societal issues and safeguard consumers. Their work towards the international acceptance of conformity assessment reports and marks, can make it less costly and time consuming to have products approved.
• Management Systems Certification bodies - Management Systems standards like the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 help organizations to produce consistent quality or to address environmental impact.  Certification bodies (formerly known as Registration bodies) provide objective third-party assessments that a management system has all the necessary components and that it is being consistently applied.
• Personnel certifiers and auditor trainers - These organizations assess an individuals' competencies to ensure that they are appropriate to the work being performed. Auditor trainers train and certify the individuals who determine when an organization meets the requirements of management systems standards such as the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series.
• Product/Service Certification bodies - Certification bodies provide ongoing, independent, third-party evaluations to determine that a product or service meets the requirements of applicable standards. Certified products usually display a certification mark.
• Standards development organizations - Canada's standards development organizations work with some 15,000 volunteers to develop Canadian standards and adopt or adapt international standards for use in Canada.
• The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) - The Standards Council of Canada oversees the National Standards System. It accredits standardization organizations, verifying that they have the resources, structures and expertise to deliver trustworthy services. The Standards Council approves National Standards of Canada and also represents Canada in key regional and international standardization forums.