The Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology - Rosstandart (Федеральное агентство по техническому регулированию и метрологии, Росстандарт), also known internationally as GOST R, is the national standards body of the Russian Federation. It was originally established in 1925 as the Committee for Standardization, marking the beginning of organized standardization work in the country. Since then, it has evolved into the federal executive body responsible for coordinating standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment across industries. Rosstandart operates under the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and plays a central role in shaping state policy and ensuring that technical regulations and standards support innovation, industrial development, and consumer protection, while representing Russia in international and regional standardization bodies, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Rosstandart oversees the GOST R standards system, a national framework that underpins product quality, safety, and compliance in areas such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and agriculture. Historically, GOST standards were mandatory for all enterprises in Russia until 1992. Since then, they have been voluntary, although many of their key requirements were later incorporated into technical regulations adopted as federal laws. Today, the GOST R system continues to serve as the main framework for voluntary standards, supporting technological progress, safety, and industry development. Rosstandart works closely with industry, academia, and international partners to ensure these standards are regularly updated and aligned with global best practices.

A crucial part of Rosstandart’s work is its leadership of the national quality infrastructure. At the center of this system, the agency coordinates a network of specialized institutions responsible for standardization, metrology, certification, accreditation, and conformity assessment. Among them, the Russian Institute of Standardization (RST) plays a vital operational role, carrying out many of Rosstandart’s key tasks such as developing standards, managing official information systems, translating and adapting international standards, and providing technical expertise. This structure ensures that regulatory policy, technical development, and industry practice remain closely connected and mutually reinforcing.

Rosstandart is also responsible for metrology, the science of measurement. It maintains Russia’s national measurement standards and ensures their compatibility with the International System of Units (SI), which guarantees the accuracy and consistency of measurements in science, industry, and commerce. These activities underpin technological innovation, support scientific research, and strengthen industrial competitiveness, while helping to ensure consumer confidence in product quality and safety.

For more details, visit the official website of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology and consult Russian GOST standards in English translations.