How to Find and Obtain a Specific ISO Standard on iso.org

Updated

To find a specific ISO standard on iso.org, search by the standard's number or keyword (for example, "ISO 9001"), open the standard's page to confirm its status, edition and scope, then obtain the text through the ISO webstore or a national member body. This path works for anyone who already knows, or can approximate, the standard number or subject; if you only have a general topic, start with a keyword search instead of a number.

Step 1: Locate the standard

  1. Go to iso.org and use the site search or the standards catalogue.
  2. Enter the standard number if you have it (e.g., ISO 14001), or a keyword describing the subject.
  3. Scan the results list for the exact designation. ISO designations include the number and year, such as ISO 9001:2015, so match both parts.

Expected result: a results list linking to individual standard pages. If several editions appear, note the year in each designation — they are different documents.

Step 2: Confirm you have the right document

On the standard's page, check these before paying:

Check What to look for
Status Whether the standard is current, withdrawn or under review
Edition / year The publication year in the designation (e.g., :2015)
Scope The "Scope" section, to confirm it covers your subject
Superseded versions Whether it replaces an earlier edition you may already hold

A withdrawn or superseded edition may still be cited in a contract or regulation, so confirm which edition your situation requires before ordering.

Step 3: Obtain the text

ISO offers two main routes:

  • ISO webstore — the site includes a cart and checkout flow, so standards can be purchased directly online. Add the standard to the cart and complete checkout.
  • National member body — each country's ISO member sells and supports ISO standards locally. This is often the better route if you need the standard in a local language, want local invoicing, or need guidance on which edition applies in your market.

The site also offers sign-up for updates, which is useful if you want notice of new editions or revisions of a standard you rely on.

Common sticking points

  • Same number, different year: ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015 are distinct documents. Always include the year when ordering or citing.
  • Part numbers: multi-part standards use a part number (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001 vs. related parts). Check the full designation, not just the family number.
  • Draft vs. published: committee drafts and published International Standards are different products; the catalogue entry states which you are viewing.
  • Language: the webstore listing indicates the language(s) available; if you need a translation, the national member body is usually the practical channel.

Quick decision guide

  • Know the exact number and year, need it fast → search the number, verify status and edition, buy via the webstore.
  • Need a local-language version or local support → go through your national ISO member body.
  • Unsure which edition applies → check the scope and status on the standard page first, then confirm with the member body or the body that requires the standard.