American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

The American Society for Testing and Materials was formed in 1898, founded by Charles B. Dudley, Ph.D., a chemist with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Organized in 1898, ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations. ASTM standards improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, the name has been changed to ASTM International in 2001. ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. Today, over  12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade, and build consumer confidence. The major contributions of our members: more than 30,000 of the world’s top business professionals and technical experts representing 140 countries. Working in an open and transparent process and using ASTM’s advanced IT infrastructure, our members create the test methods, specifications, classifications, guides and practices that support industries and governments worldwide. We welcome and encourage participation from around the world. Our open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals.ASTM standards are passports to a successful global trading strategy. Our high quality, market-relevant standards, developed in accordance with the guiding principles of the World Trade Organization, fuel trade by opening new markets and creating new trading partners for enterprises everywhere. For businesses ranging from Fortune 500 leaders to emerging startups, our standards help level the playing field to foster competition in the global economy.Beyond standards development, ASTM offers certification and declaration.