IEC partners in
international standardization

The IEC cooperates with several international and regional bodies with the aim of encouraging implementation of its international standards and to reduce work overlaps.

One of the IEC's principal partners is the WTO (World Trade Organization) in the context of the WTO TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade). Under this agreement, WTO members commit to using International Standards and global Conformity Assessment in the establishment of their national (voluntary) standards or (mandatory) regulations.

The IEC works with its sister international standardization organizations, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union), on a bilateral basis in specific technical areas, and under the tripartite WSC (World Standards Cooperation). The WSC's primary goal is to promote the international standards system of IEC, ISO, and ITU.

The IEC has Observer Status with UN ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) and works closely with UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).

Organizations with TC/SC liaisons

IEC TCs/SCs (Technical Commitees and Subcommittees) maintain liaisons with a number of organizations. (more on TC/SC liaisons)