International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization founded in 1947 with the aim of developing globally harmonized, voluntarily applicable standards. ISO is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and currently has more than 160 member countries participating in its work.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was established in 1906 and is responsible for the international standardization of electricity, electronics, electrotechnology, and related technologies. The IEC also operates in Geneva, and experts from more than 170 countries participate in its activities.

ISO and IEC operate joint technical committees in a number of areas. Of particular importance is ISO/IEC JTC 1 (Joint Technical Committee 1), which is responsible for information technology standardization. This committee develops international standards related to information security (e.g., the ISO/IEC 27000 series of standards), conformity assessment, cybersecurity, and new technologies, such as quantum technologies (e.g., ISO/IEC 23837).

Organizational and budgetary issues are decided by the ISO and IEC general assemblies and councils, while technical work is carried out by technical committees, subcommittees, and working groups composed of experts delegated by member countries. Standards are developed on a consensus basis, ensuring the participation of representatives from industry, government, and science.

Hungary is represented in the work of ISO and IEC by the national standards organization, and expert participation takes place through various technical committees. Domestic regulatory and professional organizations, including NMHH, participate indirectly in international standardization processes, particularly in the fields of information and communication technology and quantum technology.

ISO/IEC JTC 3 (Joint Technical Committee 3) is the joint technical committee responsible for the international standardization of quantum technologies, covering areas such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing.

The AHG 4 (Ad-hoc Group 4) expert group operating within JTC 3 is responsible for identifying the standardization needs of quantum communication technologies and preparing future standardization activities. Through their participation in this work, the experts delegated by the NMHH contribute to the development of international technical and compliance frameworks for quantum-based secure communication.