Although we often speak of the "voluntary standard system" of the United States, there is fortunately no monolithic "system" for the development of product standards in this country. According to a Directory published by the Department of Commerce in 1967; some 475 private organizations reported the development of standards as a major or important part of their work. A Tabulation of Voluntary Standards and Certification Programs for Consumer Products, published by the Department 1973, NBS Technical Note 762, lists more than 100 organizations engaged in the development of standards for consumer products.

There may be more complete listings, but these figures show that the development of standards for consumer products is a multifaceted process. The process moves rapidly in some places, slowly in others. It draws on the talents and experience of many individuals and is no doubt the cornerstone for our industrial progress. The single thread that runs through this great amorphous effort is the law. My assignment is to discuss the two most important areas of law that affect the development and promulgation of standards: the antitrust laws and product liability law.