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Voluntary Consensus Standards

  • Using Standards for Lead Paint Analysis to Prevent Lead Exposure

    EPA has been working with international partners through the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Alliance) to promote international standards for lead paint sampling and analysis in developing countries.

    Learn how EPA is Using Standards for Lead Paint Analysis to Prevent Lead Exposure

  • Using Standards to Assess Greenhouse Gases from Transportation

    This standard, when completed, will provide a global framework for rigorous calculation and evaluation of transportation-related climate pollutants.

    Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Assess Greenhouse Gases from Transportation

  • Using Standards to Protect Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke

    In 2020, EPA helped develop a guideline for protecting building occupants from smoke during wildfire and prescribed burn events.

    Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Protect Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke

  • Using Standards to Promote the Reuse of Rare Earth Materials

    Reusing rare earths can help reduce the impacts of mining as well as increase the resiliency and security of the United States by ensuring access to these materials for new products.

    Learn How EPA is Using Standards to Promote the Reuse of Rare Earths

EPA has a continuing commitment to using and participating in Voluntary Consensus Standards (VCS) and other private sector standards as directed by the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and other federal policies. Use of standards in regulation, voluntary programs, research, and other activities helps the agency achieve robust engagement with industry, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others. This also helps harness partnerships that enhance public trust and lead to durable policies that enjoy broad consensus and buy-in.

Please see OMB A-119 Section 5D (PDF) for a complete definition of VCS.

EPA uses VCS and other private sector standards in regulation, procurement, voluntary programs, research, policies and other activities.  As of 2015, EPA’s regulations contained over 4500 references to VCS and other private sector standards.  Learn more.

  • The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (pdf)

  • OMB Circular A-119 (pdf)

  • NIST Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities (15 CFR Part 287) (pdf)  

  • Learn more about Voluntary Consensus Standards (VCS) 
  • Contact the Agency Standards Executive with questions regarding EPA’s use of and participation in VCS and other private sector standards
  • View summary of EPA participation in VCS and other private sector standards
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 22, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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