The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a nongovernmental organization that was established in 1947 for the purpose of developing worldwide standards, improving international communication and collaboration, and promoting the smooth and equitable growth of international trade. ISO standards are used by exporters and importers in both government and industry involved in engineering, designing, production, testing and manufacturing. These internationally recognized standards are also frequently referenced in national standardization programs and are used in the comparison of standards, products and systems. The ISO Standards Service contains complete English translations of ISO Standards and Recommendations consisting of thousands documents.