Standards development committees are made up of volunteers representing the various stakeholders: manufacturers, consumers, companies, trade and professional association representatives, subject matter experts, etc. The process used in forming technical committees and developing and approving a "draft" standard varies according to the standards developing organization. Costs of participation are usually borne by the participants, the standards developing organization, or some combination of both.

The final product of the standards development process are standards: documents that are developed in a formal, coordinated, consensus-based and open process written by industry professionals from both the private and public sectors.

Most standards are developed and used on a voluntary basis. Government agencies "adopt" private sector standards into regulations for health, safety and protection of the environment. Standards become mandatory only when included in regulations, codes or contracts for purchase of products.