What is the typical use of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is widely recognized for its role in developing and publishing consensus standards that help ensure quality and safety across various industries. ANSI does not create standards directly; rather, it facilitates the consensus-building process that brings together different stakeholders—including manufacturers, consumers, and government representatives—to develop standards that reflect collective input and agreement. These standards provide guidelines and requirements that organizations can adopt to improve the safety, interoperability, and quality of their products and services.

This consensus approach helps create a level playing field in the marketplace, where all parties have an opportunity to contribute to the standards that govern their industries. By publishing these standards, ANSI ensures they are accessible to all stakeholders, which contributes to more consistent practices across sectors. This role is crucial in harmonizing efforts in safety, performance, and efficiency, making it clear why the development and publication of consensus standards is at the core of ANSI's mission.