The language of standards can be a little confusing at times. You might come across words and definitions that need explanation. 

We’ve compiled the answers to some frequently asked questions to help our clients get the most out of standards. 

1. Do the words ‘shall’ and ‘should’ mean the same thing in a standard?

The terms ‘shall’ and ‘should’ are not used interchangeably in standardization documents – the choice of wording has an important implication for how the document should be read. Where ‘shall’ is used, this indicates a requirement that must be followed. This is also known as a normative element of a specification. 

On the other hand, where ‘should’ is used, this indicates that a recommendation is being made, also known as an informative element. Somewhat confusingly, in a standard ‘should’ is a normative element of a code of practice, but it is also used as an informative element of a standard. 

To summarize:

Shall:

• Specification requirement must be followed (normative)

Should:

• Code of practice requirement must be followed (normative)

• Standard element is provided for guidance (informative)

2. What’s the difference between normative and informative references?

A reference is an external source that is related to a particular standard. References can be normative or informative. 

A normative reference means you cannot apply the standard correctly without utilizing the referenced source. An informative reference contains material that can help provide additional information or guidance, which is useful but not indispensable. 

3. Are amendments and corrigenda the same thing?

An amendment and a corrigendum are both post-publication changes to a document, but they are made for different reasons. 

An amendment is a change that is made to bring a section of a standard up to date, based on a decision made by a committee. A corrigendum is a correction to fix something that is wrong in a document, such as a misprint or typing error. 

4. How can you tell what has changed in a new edition of a standard?

Revised ISO, IEC, CEN and CENELEC standards are often changed in fundamental ways and therefore a highlighted version of the revised text would not be useful, as there would be too many changes. 

Where an amendment or corrigendum is made, these are tagged and highlighted in a text. 

5. Is it ok to photocopy standards?

At BSI, our work is largely funded through selling standards - we cannot authorize the copying of standards, and this is likely to infringe copyright law. Towards the end of each standard, there is a section setting out general copyright rules, which typically means copying is prohibited. 

If you need additional copies of a standard, they are available via BSI Knowledge. If you need to buy more than 100 copies of a standard, you qualify for a bulk purchase discount. If your organization requires access to lots of standards, you might want to consider a BSI Knowledge Subscription.

6. Are British Standards available in other languages?

If you would like to obtain a British Standard in another language, BSI members can ask the BSI Member Enquiry Service team whether it has been translated into the desired language. 

If you wish to produce a translation of a standard, you will need permission from the BSI copyright team. BSI may be able to help you find a translator through existing suppliers, although this is not guaranteed to be the most cost-effective option.

7. If I am a BSI Member, can I use the BSI logo?

No, like any organization, BSI has strict rules over how our logo is used. 

However, all members do get a personalized BSI Membership certificate and digital Membership badge that you can use. 

It’s one of the best ways to publicly demonstrate that you’re committed to excellence and best practice. You can include the digital Membership badge on your website, emails and social channels, and customers and colleagues can click through to see a digital version of your BSI membership certificate. 

To get your BSI Membership badge or certificate, just contact our customer relations team on cservices@bsigroup.com.

8. Who can help me identify the right standards?

If you need help with research to find the right standard for your needs, contact the BSI Member Enquiry Service by emailing knowledgecentre@bsigroup.com. The service is included in your membership and you’ll be talking to professional researchers with up-to-date databases of national and international standards.

Discover more about BSI Membership

Become a BSI member and you’ll be joining 11,000+ organizations committed to making positive change through standards. You’ll get extra support in implementing standards via a team of research professionals and stay up to date with relevant changes to standards with a monthly spreadsheet. Your personalized Membership certificate and digital Membership badge will help your organization stand out from the competition too. And every member enjoys a 50% saving on British Standards and BSI Knowledge subscriptions, and up to 50% on other standards and subscriptions. Find out more about BSI Membership here.