ICS (International Classification for Standards) Codes can help you identify the standards you need

The ICS (International Classification for Standards) Codes are intended to serve as a structure for cataloging standards by subject area.  It is similar to the Dewey Decimal system for books in the library.  They’re used by standards bodies at the International Level (ISO and IEC), the regional level (CEN and CENELEC in Europe) and at the national level (ASTM International for example).   Understanding the ICS schema can help you find the standards you need to maintain the use of best practices in your organization.

The scheme is made up of 3 levels, each divided by a period.  The first level is a two digit number that specifies one of forty specific areas of standardization.  Some examples are 11 (for Health Care Technology), 25 (for Manufacturing Engineering) and 29 (Electrical Engineering).

Each of these area is then divided into 392 groups for level 2, this time a three digit number.  So for Health Care Technology, the 11.040 covers Medical Equipment, 11.060 is for Dentistry, and 11.080 is for Sterilization and disinfection.  For section 25, 25.040 is Industrial automation systems, 25.060 is Machine tool systems, and 25.200 is Heat treatment.  And in section 29, 29.020 is Electrical engineering in general, 29.030 is Magnetic materials, and 29.045 is Semiconducting materials.

Many of these level two designations still are rather broad, so there is a possible level three (for 144 of the 392 level two groups), again separated by a period.  Some examples would be 11.040.40, Implants for surgery, 25.040.30, Industrial robots, Manipulators, or 29.060.01, Electrical wires and cables in general.

You can find the documents you need by drilling down using the links to StandardsCatalog.com above which direct you to lists sorted by the ICS Code numbers.   Or you can use the references in StandardsCatalog.com to specific documents like ASTM B633 and use the link found towards the bottom of the page in the section “To find similar documents by classification.”  In the case of ASTM B633, the ICS Code is 25.220.40 (Metallic coatings).

Should you find documents you like to purchase, they are available from us at our www.document-center.com website.  Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  Remember, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about this or any standards-related topic.

Published by

Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *