Most test methods and also many technologies are now largely subject to standardisation in order to obtain reliable material properties with comparable test methods. Acceptable levels of emissions from materials and many constructions are also standardised. Manufacturing is also carried out using a complex system of standards, and many terms are standardised. For example, in timber construction, characteristic values ​​for materials, test methods for monitoring quality (e.g. moisture resistance, strength, long-term behavior, fire resistance), for fire protection measures, fasteners, and adhesives are standardised. The construction is based mainly on standards. Some of these standards relate to property levels, but many relate to test procedures defining and standardising the measurement of these properties. The procedures are similar worldwide, but there are clear differences between the regions. Based on a historical overview of standardisation in Europe, Russia, the USA and China, a short overview of standardisation in the individual regions is given, which enables an introduction to the standardisation system.