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DDI Recognized as an ISO Standard (ISO/PAS 25955)

The Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) has been formally recognized as an international standard through the publication of ISO/PAS 25955:2026 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The specification was published on 6 March 2026. 

The specification reflects many years of work by the international DDI community to support consistent documentation and interoperability of research and statistical data. 

This recognition strengthens DDI’s role as a globally trusted framework for documenting statistical and research data and supports its adoption by governments, statistical agencies, research infrastructures, and data repositories. 

Key implications include:

International recognition

DDI is now formally recognized within the ISO standards framework, strengthening its position as a globally trusted metadata standard. 

Support for institutional adoption

Many governments, public-sector organizations, and research infrastructures prefer or require the use of ISO standards when selecting data standards. ISO recognition helps organizations justify the adoption of DDI in official data systems. 

Improved interoperability

ISO standards support interoperability across organizations, infrastructures, and national borders. Recognition through ISO helps position DDI as an integral part of international data ecosystems.

Long-term sustainability

ISO standards are widely viewed as stable and well-governed frameworks suitable for long-term investments in data management and infrastructure.

The official publication ISO/PAS 25955:2026 is available through ISO and national standards bodies. The ISO specification is based on the ”DDI Common Core” document, which defines the core elements of DDI -- including the Variable Cascade, Unit Cascade, and Value Domains -- within the Data Lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean DDI has changed?

No. The ISO publication does not change the DDI specifications themselves.

ISO/PAS 25955:2026 is based on the DDI Common Core, which describes the core conceptual elements of DDI. Existing DDI implementations and specifications continue to function as before.

What does ISO recognition mean?

Publication as ISO/PAS 25955 formally recognizes the Data Documentation Initiative within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) framework.

This recognition strengthens the credibility of DDI as an internationally recognized standard and can help organizations justify its adoption in official data infrastructures, policies, and research environments.

How does ISO/PAS 25955 relate to the existing DDI specifications?

The ISO publication does not replace the DDI specifications maintained by the DDI Alliance.

ISO/PAS 25955 is based on the DDI Common Core, which describes key conceptual elements of DDI. The detailed technical specifications and schemas for implementing DDI continue to be developed and maintained by the DDI Alliance.

Organizations implementing DDI should continue to use the official DDI specifications available through the DDI Alliance.

Do DDI Alliance members need to do anything?

No action is required. However, members may wish to reference the ISO publication when describing their use of DDI in institutional documentation, data management policies, research infrastructure planning, grant proposals, and technical documentation.

How should organizations reference the ISO standard?

Organizations may reference the ISO standard as:

International Organization for Standardization. (2026). Information and documentation — Technical interoperability — Data Documentation Initiative (DDI). ISO/PAS 25955:2026 https://www.iso.org/standard/92127.html

Is there an announcement about the DDI ISO certification?

Yes, the announcement was posted here: