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Feb 27, 2026
Global adoption strengthens the relevance, impact, and credibility of ASTM International standards. When developing a standard, committees can proactively consider some of the most common challenges to help reduce barriers for international adoption and use.
Regulatory and Legal Differences: Consult international stakeholders and send personal invitations for participation. Engage regulators, inspectors, and testing bodies to understand the landscape, and consider utilizing the ASTM global policy team for support.
Local Terminology and Units: Be mindful of U.S.-centric acronyms and align terminology with globally accepted usage. Use SI units when possible.
Cost and Access to Standards: Review industry insights and identify regions where a standard might be particularly relevant. Consider coordinating outreach with ASTM staff and, if needed, consider reviewing ASTM’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Program, which can be helpful for developing countries that need standards for safety or infrastructure. Discuss options for translation with ASTM staff where appropriate.
Awareness Outside the U.S.: The development and publication of an international industry standard is an extraordinary accomplishment. The next step for committees is stewardship and spreading awareness. The legacy of a standard is realized when it is easily interpreted and used globally. Members can aid global adoption through attending or presenting at international conferences, hosting workshops, and promoting their contributions and efforts on LinkedIn.
Perception of “U.S.-centric” Standards: Incorporate international requirements early in the development process, consider references to other international standards, and notify other standards developers to reference your committees’ standards. ●
March / April 2026
