The JTCG (Joint Technical Coordination Group on Management System Standards) is the advisory group to the Technical Management Board (TMB) and the Standardization Management Board (SMB), respectively of ISO and IEC. Its role is to support management system standards (MSS) in terms of consistency, integration and usability. 

New Publication

On March 17, 2026, ISO published the IMS-PG to manage one or more MSS to support performance, meet stakeholder needs and expectations, and drive continual improvement. Learn more.

Inside the JTCG

The JTCG provides insights and guidance to TC/SC/PCs developing or maintaining an MSS and liaises with relevant organizations such as CASCO and IAF. Feedback from these groups is provided to TMB and SMB to ensure continual improvement of MSS. 

Members of the JTCG are the Chairs and Committee Managers from TC/SC/PCs that manage one or more MSS. For more information, click here.

Exploring MSS 

Management system standards (MSS) are developed using a harmonized approach that ensures consistency, integration, and ease of implementation across different disciplines. 

This approach includes three key elements: a justification study to validate market relevance and need, a harmonized structure that provides common clauses and core text for all MSS, and flexible rules for applying this structure to discipline-specific requirements. 

Whether a TC/SC/PC is considering a new MSS or maintaining an existing one, the resources and guidance available through the JTCG can help foster understanding of the harmonized approach, the harmonized structure and their use in the development of new MSS or the revision of an existing one. For more information, click here.

Toolbox

As TC/SC/PCs enter the MSS environment, there are many resources available to support the development and maintenance of a MSS. The JTCG provides tools and training on topics including:

• The process of proposing an MSS
  • "Is the new proposal an MSS?"
  • "How should a question in the justification be answered?"
  • "What is the next step for a specific proposal?"
• Providing guidance on using the harmonized approach (HA) and harmonized structure (HS)
  • Handling potential deviations and alternative solutions;
  • Advising on "Can we?" and "What if?" questions.
• Writing auditable requirements;
• Virtual sessions with the TC/SC/PC to clarify elements of an MSS.

For further information about how the JTCG can assist, click here.

Insights for Committees

In fulfilling its coordination role, the JTCG produces and disseminates informational materials and guidance pertaining to the implementation of the harmonized approach and the development of MSS. These resources, which include documents and periodic communications, are made available to TC/SC/PC here.

Updated: 2026-06-30.