October 14th is World Standards Day, and the theme for 2025 is “A Shared Vision for a Better World”. From metals and minerals to agricultural commodities and solid fuels, standards in testing and inspection provide a shared framework that enables meaningful collaboration across borders.

Standards help build trust and shared understanding. They allow industries and governments to work together towards sustainable, reliable, and efficient operations.

STANDARDS: THE BACKBONE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International trade is complex. Delays, disputes, and misaligned expectations can cost time and money. Therefore, certainty is invaluable.

Standards act as a universal language. They reduce technical barriers, minimising risk, and ensuring that products, commodities, and services meet expectations wherever they are produced or traded.

For example, recognised inspection standards for bulk and break-bulk commodities allow shipments to be measured and verified consistently worldwide. Therefore, this means traders can rely on accurate data, avoid costly retests, and keep supply chains moving smoothly.

STANDARDS IN TESTING AND INSPECTION

Standards in testing and inspection are more than technical guidelines; they are a statement of expertise. By adopting and implementing recognised industry standards, organisations demonstrate that work meets the highest expectations for quality, safety, and reliability.

Beyond compatibility, standards are a powerful signal of quality and trust. For traders, producers, and processors, compliance with internationally recognised standards, such as ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO 17025, means fewer repeat tests, faster approvals, and confidence in trade outcomes.

STANDARDS IN ACTION AT AHK

At Alfred H Knight, standards are ingrained in everything we do. Our global network of laboratories and expert inspectors applies internationally recognised standards every day. This ensures results you can trust, wherever your commodities travel.
Whether verifying the moisture content of grain in the US, assessing precious metals in South Africa, or analysing biomass quality in the UK, standards ensure AHK’s results and services are consistent, comparable, and reliable.

DEFINING STANDARDS, NOT JUST FOLLOWING THEM

Alfred H Knight doesn’t just apply standards; we help shape them.

Our experts have contributed to the development of methods such as Flow Moisture Point (FMP) and Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) testing. By actively participating in international committees, AHK ensures that client concerns are taken into account in the development of best practices.

Gavin Armstrong, Business Technical Manager – Field Services, represents AHK and the UK through British Standards (BSI) PTI/017 on ISO Technical Committees 238 and 300, as well as ASTM committee D05 as a business member. He helps define practical approaches for sampling, preparing, and testing solid fuels.

Gavin’s expertise, combined with the knowledge of AHK’s technical team, ensures clients are compliant and ahead of the curve. As a result, they can avoid costly setbacks and achieve reliable, sustainable outcomes.

“Being involved in international standardisation is something I’m immensely proud of as I have the opportunity to represent both Alfred H Knight and the UK on the international stage, working collaboratively with an amazing range of industry experts. Standardisation plays an important role in how we conduct our trusted work for clients. It also allows us to support their activities by promoting best industry practices with a standardised approach.”

PARTNER WITH AN ORGANISATION BUILT ON STANDARDS

By partnering with an independent organisation that implements, maintains, and contributes to international standardisation, you can:

• Streamline your supply chain
• Minimise trade disputes
• Gain actionable insights you can trust

Work with AHK to see how standards in testing and inspection safeguard operations and drive efficiency across global markets. Contact an AHK expert today.