About ISO/TC 46/SC 11 – Archives and Records Management

ISO/TC 46/SC 11 is the international subcommittee responsible for developing standards and technical reports that support the creation, management, and use of records and archives in all formats and environments. Our work provides organizations with internationally recognized guidance to ensure records are trustworthy, reliable, and usable over time.

Published Standards and Reports

SC 11 has developed foundational standards that define the principles and requirements for effective records management:

ISO 15489, Records Management – Principles and Concepts
The flagship standard for records management, revised in 2016, establishes core principles for managing records throughout their lifecycle

ISO 30300 Series – Management Systems for Records
This series includes:

ISO 30301 – Requirements for a management system for records

ISO 30302 – Implementation guidance

ISO 16175, Principles and Functional Requirements for Records in Electronic Office Environments
A set of standards supporting the design and assessment of electronic records systems.

Other Key Publications

ISO/TR 18128 – Risk assessment for records processes and systems (now replaced)

ISO/TR 26122 – Work process analysis for records

ISO/TR 13028 – Guidelines for digitization

ISO/TR 17068 – Trusted third-party repositories

For a full list, visit: ISO TC 46/SC 11 – Published Products.

Current and Recent Work

SC 11 continues to advance the field of records management through a focused portfolio of projects. Recent developments include:

✅ Risk Assessment
A new international standard has been published, replacing ISO/TR 18128, providing a clear methodology for identifying and mitigating risks in records processes and systems.

✅ Disposition of Records
A technical specification has been published outlining principles, methods, and considerations for the effective disposition of records, including retention and transfer to archives.

✅ Structured Data
A technical report has been published exploring records management challenges and recommendations for structured data environments, such as databases and enterprise systems.

🔄 AI and Records Management (TR in Development)
Work is underway on a technical report examining the implications of artificial intelligence for records creation, management, and preservation.

🔄 Capability Assessment (Technical Specification in Development)
SC 11 is developing a technical specification to support capability assessment in records management programs, enabling organizations to evaluate maturity and improve performance.

🔄 Digital Preservation (Ad Hoc Group)
An ad hoc group is analyzing the current landscape of digital preservation to identify gaps and recommend future standardization pathways.

To learn more about active projects, visit: ISO TC 46/SC 11 – Ongoing Projects.

Our mission and role:

We take a leading role in improving the best practices for managing records. We provide a framework, standards, and guidance for designing and implementing effective records practices and processes. This includes:

1. Codifying best practices for managing records into internationally applicable management systems and other standards, serving both business and societal purposes.
2. Influencing others to enhance the guidance provided on recordkeeping and records management mechanisms and techniques.
3. Influencing the development of systems that create and manage records, aiming for continuous improvement.

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GENERAL CONTACT POINT

If you have any questions about the work, standards, or projects of ISO TC 46/SC 11, feel free to contact us via email at:

To get in touch with Convenors and Project Leaders, you can contact the SC11 Committee Manager or reach out to your National Member Body. They will help you connect with the relevant individuals.