Newly Formed ISO TC 327 Enables Global Participation on Natural Stone Standards
3/22/2021
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently approved the new technical committee 327, focused on Natural Stones. Now, participants from around the world have launched initial steps to work on the development of uniform standards for natural stones. The U.S. plays a leading role in the work, and as the secretariat to the TC, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) highlights the group.
What is TC 327 on Natural Stones?
Formed in 2020, TC 327, Natural Stones, as defined by the committee’s scope, works on the "Standardization of definitions, requirements and test methods for natural stones relating to rough blocks, slabs, semifinished and finished products intended for use in flooring/pavement, stairs, wall veener/cladding, countertops and other uses for both interior and exterior applications."
The TC currently has 13 global participating members: Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States—with another 10 national standards bodies observing.
An Overview of U.S. Participation in TC 327—and How to Get Involved
Recently, the TC formed a U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to develop and transmit, via ANSI, U.S.-consensus positions and comments on activities and ballots of the ISO TC. Stakeholders interested in participating in the U.S. TAG of TC 327 should contact the U.S. TAG Administrator, Kemi Allston ([email protected]), or ANSI’s ISO Team ([email protected]).
The TC held its first virtual meeting on January 14, 2021, and the committee will work virtually throughout 2021, with plans to bring global members to Las Vegas for an in-person event as part of The International Surface Event (TISE) 2022.
Natural Stone Institute's technical director, Chuck Muehlbauer, is the new chair of ISO TC 327. As chair, he is responsible for the overall management of the committee, helping to manage standards projects effectively and leading the committee in reaching consensus. He will serve in this capacity through 2025.
Stepping Stones to Progress
According to a Natural Stone Institute press release, the committee will accelerate progress by assembling existing standards from around the globe, including the Natural Stone Institute’s Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM), and using them to create one unified standard.
