TSE ISO/IEC Guide 14

TSE ISO/IEC Guide 14 is a guidance document on how information should be presented for products and related services intended for consumers. It focuses on what kind of information is useful before purchase and on how that information can be organised so consumers can compare options and make informed choices. In practice, this makes the standard about both the content of consumer information and the way it is communicated.

A framework for consumer-facing product information

In general technical terms, consumer information can include product characteristics, intended use, performance claims, maintenance details and related service information. The value of this guidance lies in making such information clear, consistent and comparable across offerings. Format matters as much as content: labels, leaflets, packaging, digital displays and other channels all influence whether consumers can actually find and understand the information they need.

Why content, format and design matter

Well-structured product information helps consumers distinguish between similar products and select the one that best fits their needs. Common principles in this area include using plain language where possible, keeping units and terminology consistent, and avoiding layouts that create confusion or misleading impressions. This document is therefore best understood as a horizontal guide to consumer information practice, rather than a product-specific standard that defines detailed technical limits or test procedures for one item category.

• Guidance for information on consumer products and related services.
• General principles and recommendations for content, methods, formats and design.
• Aims to support comparison and choice before purchase.
• Not a product-specific standard for numerical limits or detailed test methods.