Updated: September 9, 2025
ISEA is issuing this advisory to provide clarity to members regarding the appropriate use of draft terminology and content from ISEA standards under development or revision. Our goal is to ensure consistent communication across industry, avoid market confusion, and maintain integrity in the standards development process, in line with ISEA Policies and the Code of Ethics.
Protecting Standard Development Confidentiality
- All standard content (e.g. language, terminology, test methods, classifications, graphics, requirements, etc. ) under discussion in Product Group (PG) meetings is considered confidential until a standard is formally approved and published.
- Members are not authorized to disclose or promote draft standard content outside of their company unless expressly permitted by ISEA.
- Draft terms or descriptors being considered by a PG in the standard development process should not be used in public-facing communications (marketing materials, product packaging, press releases, sales literature, or websites) until a standard is finalized, unless expressly permitted by ISEA
- Use of such terms in advance of standard publication risks creating confusion in the marketplace if the final language differs.
- Premature disclosure or use of draft standard terminology violates ISEA’s membership policies, confuses the market, and can potentially undermine the standard development process
Permitted References
- Members may communicate that a revision of a standard is underway.
- References should remain general, e.g., “The standard is currently under revision, with updates expected upon publication.”
- No specific draft terms, descriptors, or requirements should be cited or promoted until publication.
Prohibited References
- Suggesting or implying that draft standard content has already been adopted or approved, or that decisions about any aspect of a standard currently undergoing revision are final.
- Using draft standard content in public materials, presentations, product names, etc.
- Labeling or advertising products as compliant with draft requirements before a standard is published.
FAQ – Common Member Questions
Q: Can I tell customers about draft standard terms under discussion?
A: No. Draft standard content is confidential and may not be referenced externally until officially published.
Q: Can I include any new standard terms in a presentation about the pending revision?
A: Only with written permission and approval from ISEA. We often partner with our Product Group leaders to educate the safety community about upcoming standard revisions. To ensure consistency, ISEA must be involved in any education about a draft standard.
Q: Can I state that a standard is being revised?
A: Yes. General references to the fact that a standard is under revision are acceptable, but no specific draft terms should be used.
Q: What if my company has already used draft terminology in marketing?
A: All communications should be updated immediately to avoid confusion and to align with ISEA’s policies and Code of Ethics. If any aspect of the standard changes before it is finalized, materials may be inaccurate or misleading.
5: When can we safely use new terminology?
A: Only after the revised standard is formally approved and published by ISEA.
Q: Why is this important?
A: Using draft terms prematurely can confuse the market, undermine confidence in standards (and the standard development process), and cause competitive disadvantages if changes are made before publication.
Conclusion
ISEA encourages members to maintain discipline in communications regarding draft standards. Consistency, confidentiality, and adherence to ISEA’s Policies and Code of Ethics are critical to the success of the standards development process. Please ensure your company’s marketing, product development, and communications teams are aware of and understand this guidance.
For questions regarding this advisory, please contact the ISEA Standards Team at standards@safetyequipment.org.
