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About ANSI

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Introduction

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system. Founded in 1918, the Institute works in close collaboration with stakeholders from industry and government to identify and develop standards- and conformance-based solutions to national and global priorities.

Together, standards and technical regulations impact up to 93% of global trade. Globally relevant standards and the conformance measures that assure their effective use help to increase efficiency, open markets, boost consumer confidence, and reduce costs. And ANSI is the U.S. leader in fostering that potential for the benefit of businesses across every industry and consumers around the world.

A Strong Voice For The Standards Community

ANSI is not itself a standards developing organization. Rather, the Institute provides a framework for fair standards development and quality conformity assessment systems and continually works to safeguard their integrity. And as a neutral venue for coordination of standards-based solutions, the Institute brings together private- and public-sector experts and stakeholders to initiate collaborative standardization activities that respond to national priorities.

ANSI serves as a strong voice on behalf of the U.S. voluntary standards community, protecting and strengthening its impact domestically and internationally. Through its membership, partnerships, and diverse programs and activities, ANSI represents the interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide.

For more information, see ANSI’s Roles.

ANSI Mission

To enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

Organizational Overview

Founded:

October 19, 1918

Legal Status:

501(c)3 private, not-for-profit organization

Board of Directors

Employees:

100+

Locations:

Washington, DC (headquarters); New York City (operations)

Membership:

1,400 companies, organizations, government agencies, academic and international bodies, and individuals

Annual Budget:

$88 million

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ANSI Affiliates

The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) provides accreditation and training services for a wide range of industry-specific certification programs. Workcred is focused on improving the credentialing system for a stronger U.S. workforce.

ANSI History

For more than 100 years, ANSI has initiated responsive standards solutions that address the changing needs and priorities of the nation and the world.