ISO has developed the world’s first international standard for second-hand goods that are traded, sold, donated, or exchanged between countries.

Newly published ISO 20245:2017, Cross-border trade of second-hand goods, provides a point of reference for governments as they intensify their efforts to establish minimum screening criteria for the trade of second-hand goods across borders.

“If countries enforce ISO 20245 requirements as part of their import regulations, organizations integrate them in their purchasing and processing practices, and charities make them a common feature of their operations, unsafe and unreliable products will gradually be eliminated from the market and disposed of in the proper way.” Rae Dulmage, chair of ISO project committee ISO/PC 245, said.

Trade of second-hand goods continues to grow annually, particularly in developing countries and those with transitional economies. Just like any factory-bought product, used goods should meet the expectations of a reasonable consumer, who has full knowledge of their second-hand status. This means they must fulfill acceptance criteria in terms of quality, product information, and usage requirements, with additional details about their condition.

ISO 20245 specifies how to classify products based on their condition: A (very good), B (good), C (fair), and D (poor). This measurable criteria is designed to be used by importing or exporting parties or governments for in-transit and port-of-entry screening of second-hand goods, and will ensure that both consumers and the environment are protected.

ISO 20245:2017 can be purchased from your national ISO member or through the ISO Store.