DDI Recognized as an ISO Standard (ISO/PAS 25955)
The suite of DDI Alliance products has been formally recognized as an international standard through the publication of ISO/PAS 25955:2026 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The specification was published on 6 March 2026.
The specification reflects many years of collaborative work by the international DDI community to support consistent documentation and interoperability of research and statistical data.
The publication of ISO/PAS 25955 is a recognition of the strength of the DDI Alliance’s role as a globally trusted framework for documenting statistical and research data and supports its adoption by governments, statistical agencies, research infrastructures, and data repositories.
Key implications include:
International recognition
DDI is now formally recognized within the ISO standards framework, strengthening its position as a globally trusted suite of metadata standards and other products.
Support for institutional adoption
Many governments, public-sector organizations, and research infrastructures prefer or require the use of ISO standards when selecting data standards. ISO recognition helps organizations justify the adoption of DDI in official data systems.
Improved interoperability
ISO standards support interoperability across organizations, infrastructures, and national borders. Recognition through ISO helps position DDI standards as an integral part of international data ecosystems.
Long-term sustainability
ISO standards are widely viewed as stable and well-governed frameworks suitable for long-term investments in data management and infrastructure.
The official publication ISO/PAS 25955:2026 is available through ISO and national standards bodies. The ISO specification is based on the ”DDI Common Core” document, which defines the core elements of DDI -- including the Variable Cascade, Unit Cascade, and Value Domains -- within the Data Lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean DDI has changed?
No. The ISO publication does not change the DDI specifications themselves.
ISO/PAS 25955:2026 is based on the DDI Common Core, which describes the core conceptual elements of the DDI standards. Existing DDI implementations and specifications continue to function as before.
What does ISO recognition mean?
Publication as ISO/PAS 25955 formally recognizes the products under the Data Documentation Initiative within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) framework.
This recognition strengthens the credibility of the DDI Alliance as an internationally recognized standards organization and can help organizations justify its adoption in official data infrastructures, policies, and research environments.
How does ISO/PAS 25955 relate to the existing DDI specifications?
ISO/PAS 25955 is based on the DDI Common Core, which describes key conceptual elements of the DDI standards. These elements comprise the central descriptive capabilities of the DDI suite of standards and other products. They are core features implementations of the standards must address.
The ISO publication does not replace the DDI specifications maintained by the DDI Alliance. Organizations implementing DDI should continue to use the official DDI specifications available through the DDI Alliance.
Do DDI Alliance members need to do anything?
No action is required. However, members may wish to reference the ISO publication when describing their use of DDI in institutional documentation, data management policies, research infrastructure planning, grant proposals, and technical documentation.
How should organizations reference the ISO standard?
Organizations may reference the ISO standard as:
International Organization for Standardization. (2026). Information and documentation — Technical interoperability — Data Documentation Initiative (DDI). ISO/PAS 25955:2026 https://www.iso.org/standard/92127.html
Was there an announcement about the DDI ISO certification?
Yes, see the March 2026 announcement.