BS

British Standard

A set of formal specifications or guidelines designed to ensure that products, services, or systems meet specific criteria for quality, safety, and efficiency. British Standards are developed and published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), which is the UK’s National Standards Body.

The British Standards cover a wide array of topics ranging from product manufacturing, construction methods, business processes, data management, to health and safety procedures, among others. These standards are generally recognized as best practices and are often used internationally, even though they originate in the UK.

BSI maintains a catalog of all current and historical British Standards. These documents can be purchased directly from the BSI website. Some libraries, universities, or other institutions might also provide access to these standards.

British Standards are often voluntary, meaning that organizations choose to comply with them to demonstrate the quality and safety of their products or services. However, in some cases, compliance with a British Standard may be required by law, or it may be contractually required in certain industries.

• Abbreviation: BS