Voluntary Product Standards Program

Voluntary Product Standards (VPS) are nationally recognized product requirements developed under U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) regulations (15 CFR Part 10). Administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on a fee-for-service basis, these standards create a shared understanding of product quality, safety, and performance across industries.

The Role of NIST

NIST serves as a neutral, unbiased coordinator during standard development. We help industry groups create and maintain standards by providing the following services:

• Technical and Editorial Review: We help draft standards, review them for technical accuracy, and work to resolve disagreements among stakeholders.
• Procedural Oversight: We ensure all standards meet strict DOC development rules and provide secretarial support for appointed VPS Committees.
• Publication: We publish completed standards as public documents.

Note on Enforcement: Use of Voluntary Product Standards is completely voluntary, and NIST holds no regulatory authority to enforce them. However, industry stakeholders often adopt them as common trade practices, and compliance becomes legally binding when referenced in sales contracts or building codes.

How Stakeholders Participate

Producers, distributors, buyers, and consumer groups drive the success of the VPS program. Stakeholders contribute by doing the following:

• Proposing and developing new standards
• Submitting technical feedback during public comment periods
• Adopting standards in their products and supply chains
• Helping NIST keep standards updated as technology and market needs evolve

Benefits of VPS Compliance

Producers and distributors whose products comply with a Voluntary Product Standard can reference the standard on product packaging, labels, and marketing materials to build customer trust and demonstrate quality.

• Read a Brief History of DOC Voluntary Standards

Current DOC VPS Standards

• DOC PS 1-22 Structural Plywood
• DOC PS 2-18 Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels
• DOC PS 20-25 American Softwood Lumber Standard

Most Recent Superseded DOC VPS Standards

• DOC PS 1-19 Structural Plywood
• DOC PS 2-10 Performance Standard for Wood-based Structural-Use Panels
• DOC PS 20-20 American Softwood Lumber Standard, Revision 1
• Previous Superseded Wood Product Standards (PS)