Purchasing the correct standard is essential for meeting regulatory requirements, supporting compliance, and keeping projects on track. Each year, ANSI Customer Service processes between 75 and 100 refunds because customers accidentally purchase the wrong item. In many cases, the issue can be resolved by refunding the original purchase and having the customer reorder the correct standard through the ANSI Webstore. Understanding the most common purchasing mistakes can help you select the right document the first time, saving both time and effort.
Purchasing a Historical Standard Instead of the Current Edition
Many standards are revised periodically to reflect new technology, updated safety requirements, or changes in industry best practices. While historical editions remain available because they are often referenced by state and local regulations or legacy projects, they may not be the version you need.
Before purchasing, verify whether your project requires the latest edition or a specific historical edition. Each standard listing on the Search Results page in the ANSI Webstore indicates in yellow whether the document is the most recent published edition or in gray if it is a historical version, making it easy for users to identify and purchase the correct standard.
Purchasing an Adopted Standard Instead of the Original ISO or IEC Standard
Some standards are adopted by national standards organizations (e.g., British Standards Institution [BSI], Canadian Standards Association [CSA Group], and German Institute for Standardization [DIN]), while others are published directly by international organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
When a standard is adopted, it means a national standards organization has formally accepted and published an existing international or regional standard for use within its own country, often with little or no technical changes. Always confirm which publisher your customer, contract, or regulatory requirement specifies.
To identify the organization responsible for developing/publishing a standard, users on the ANSI Webstore can view the content provider (e.g., IEC, DIN, etc.,) on the given standard product page.
Purchasing a Foreign Language Edition Instead of the English Version
Many international standards are available in multiple languages. Customers occasionally purchase a foreign language edition when they intended to buy the English version.
Before completing your order, review the product description carefully to confirm the document language matches your needs. Sometimes the document title will have the publication language as well.
Purchasing the Original Edition Instead of the Reaffirmed Version
Some standards are reaffirmed after periodic review. A reaffirmed standard indicates that the standards developer has reviewed the document and determined that its technical content remains current without requiring revision.
On the ANSI Webstore, reaffirmed standards are typically identified in the standard designation, although the format varies by standards developer. For example, to indicate a reaffirmation in 2026, some standards say (Reaffirmed 2026), others use “(R2026),” while others simply display “(2026)” or “(26)” in the standard’s title.
If your organization specifies a reaffirmed edition, be sure to purchase that version rather than the original publication.
Tips for Choosing the Right Standard
Before placing your order, take a few moments to verify:
- The standards number and edition year
- The publishing organization
- Whether you need the latest, historical, or reaffirmed edition
- The document language
- Any contract or regulatory requirements that specify a particular version
Taking these steps helps ensure that you purchase the correct document the first time.
ANSI Customer Service Is Here to Help
If you are unsure which standard and/or supplementary documents (i.e.,technical reports, draft standards, amendments, addenda, and redline comparison versions) you need, ANSI Customer Service is available to answer questions before you make a purchase. Customer Service can help you understand edition differences, identify the correct publisher, and navigate the ANSI Webstore, so you can purchase the documents that best meet your requirements.
Reach Out to ANSI Customer Service
You can email info@ansi.org at any time or call 212-642-4980, or live chat with a customer service representative from 8:30AM-6PM EST Monday-Friday.