Call for Participation in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Emerging Technology Standards Opens in India

A new call for participation in developing standards for cybersecurity, privacy, and emerging technologies has been launched by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), a nonprofit industry body focused on data protection and cybersecurity.

Japan Updates Food Labeling Rules for Allergen Information

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) has revised Japan’s Food Labeling Standards to update allergen information and improve how key safety details are presented on food products.

China Sets Up Seven Standardization Bodies Including Humanoid Robots Group

The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) has announced the creation of seven new national technical committees and subcommittees, expanding standardization work across sectors from agriculture to advanced technologies.

Saudi Standards Body Infographic Highlights 2026 Quality, Safety and Inspection Results

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has released an infographic outlining its 2026 activities in standards, product safety, and inspection programs across the Kingdom.

JSA Launches International Standardization Strategy Center

The Japan Standards Association (JSA) established a new International Standardization Strategy Promotion Center on April 1, 2026, to support government-led priority sectors and strengthen Japan’s role in international standardization.

China Tightens GMP Rules For Medical Device Manufacturers Effective November 2026

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has revised China’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements for medical devices, introducing stricter quality management system rules that will take effect on November 1, 2026 and replace the current 2014 version.

India Invites MSMEs to Join Healthcare Standards Committees

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is inviting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to join technical committees in its Medical Equipment and Hospital Planning Department (MHD), opening the standardization process to a wider range of industry participants. 

Vietnam Draft Standard Sets Clear Metrics for Online Public Services

The Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Viet Nam (STAMEQ) has introduced a draft national standard for online public services that defines how user experience will be measured using specific indicators.

TIC Industry Conference in Beijing Focuses on Trust, Restructuring, and Global Standards Role

The China Quality Certification Center (CQC) hosted the 2026 annual conference on testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) in Beijing on March 26, focusing on strengthening trust, supporting trade, and guiding industry transformation.

JB International Achieves BCI Good Cotton Certification

The Taiwan branch of JB International Co., Ltd. has achieved Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certification, completing system setup and external verification to align its cotton sourcing with international sustainability requirements. 

Japan Names 2026 Recipient Of RQES And JSA Chairman Award

The Robust Quality Engineering Society (RQES) has named Hiroyuki Narahara of Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) as the recipient of the 11th RQES and Japanese Standards Association (JSA) Chairman’s Award.

KATS Opens 2026 Recruitment For Engineering And Language Standardization Roles

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has opened its 2026 recruitment for in-house experts to support the development and review of standards in engineering and language fields.

ISO 14001 Fourth Edition Officially Released

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 14001:2026, marking the release of the fourth edition of the world’s most widely used environmental management systems standard. 

Global ACI Introduced: IAF and ILAC Successor Presents New Identity

A new international accreditation body, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, has introduced a new identity as Global ACI, including a logo and communication channels after starting operations on January 1, 2026.

ISO 17067 Revision Expands Conformity Assessment Schemes

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) is revising ISO/IEC 17067 to expand its scope from product certification to a broader framework for conformity assessment schemes.

ISO Establishes Working Group on Environmental and Social Impact Data in Agrifood Systems

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has set up a new working group under ISO/TC 347 to develop a standardized way to record and share data on environmental and social impacts across agrifood supply chains.

European AI Standard for Computer Vision prEN 18281 Enters Public Enquiry

A European draft standard, prEN 18281, for evaluating AI systems that analyze images and video has entered public enquiry, setting out how such systems should be assessed as part of the broader framework supporting the EU AI Act.

Work Begins on IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standard Update

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has begun work on updating IEC 60601-1, the core standard for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment.

ISSB Proposes Updates to Three SASB Standards, Refining Sustainability Reporting in Agriculture, Food and Power

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued a consultation on proposed amendments to three Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards to support alignment with IFRS S1 and IFRS S2,

FSC Proposes New Approach To Intact Forest Landscapes Protection

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has launched two public consultations on draft Advice Notes to strengthen how Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) are managed and protected.

VDA Releases Automotive SPICE Yellow Volume 3rd Revised Edition for Public Review

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) Quality Management Center (QMC) has released the Automotive SPICE Yellow Volume 3rd revised edition, opening a public feedback period until May 12, 2026.

Technical Guides Explain 2026 Updates to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Global certification body Bureau Veritas has released two technical guides on the revised versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001,

VDA 20 Guide on AI in Quality Management Opens for Feedback

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has released VDA 20 – AI in Quality Management as a draft document and opened it for public feedback until June 30, 2026,

ISO 14155 on Clinical Investigations of Medical Devices in Humans Updated

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 14155:2026, updating the global Good Clinical Practice standard for clinical investigations of medical devices in human subjects.