ISO Textile Standards

ISO textile standards increase quality among international textile producers.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established and presides over thousands of standards affecting thousands of industries. The textile industry is one such industry. There are hundreds of individual ISO textile standards which govern the handling and production of textiles internationally.

Identification

The ISO textile standards are classified as TC 38 in the ISO system. The TC 38 reference lists over 100 textile related standards, covering everything from fishing nets to anti-bacterial finishing products.

Function

The textile industry has largely moved out of the U.S. to overseas producers. To ensure quality, the ISO textile standards require that all producers meet established international standards. The ISO textile standards govern issues such as quality of material (for wovens and nonwovens), weaving processes, colorants and packaging.

Significance

Textiles are used to make products, such as backpacks, camping tents, canopies, display booths, conveyor belts, filter bags and upholstery. In addition, the aerospace, agriculture, automobile and construction industries use textiles in specialty applications. As these products are produced and shipped around the globe, the significance of TC-38 ISO textile quality standards cannot be overstated.

References

• International Organization for Standardization: TC 38 Textiles
• The Textile Exchange: Textile Product Industry Overview