The International Harmonization Council (IHC) held its 57th meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing together global leaders and technical experts from the industrial and medical gases sector. Hosted by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the two-day event focused on advancing harmonized safety standards, reviewing active projects, and coordinating international efforts in hydrogen technologies.
Founded to manage the global harmonization of industry safety standards, the IHC includes participants from the Asia Industrial Gases Association (AIGA), Compressed Gas Association (CGA), European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA), and the Japan Industrial and Medical Gases Association (JIMGA). These regional associations and their partner organizations work closely to ensure the publication of consistent best practices around the world.
To date, the IHC has overseen the harmonization of 80 new projects and 90 revision projects on a wide array of topics.
The IHC also continues to have a strong focus on hydrogen. There are currently 18 existing harmonized hydrogen standards, a gap analysis to support prioritization of future work, and 4 new publications under active development:
- Design of Hydrogen Loading and Unloading Connections;
- Safe Operation of Hydrogen Liquefier Coldboxes;
- Managing Oxygen Offtake from Electrolyzers; and
- Safe Operation of Electrolyzers.
Work is ongoing to complete a second round a gap analysis to focus on general applications (for example, small SMRs, ammonia dissociation as a source of hydrogen, and carbon capture). This gap analysis will be used to prioritize additional hydrogen harmonization work efforts moving forward.
In addition to supporting the expedited development of harmonized hydrogen standards, the IHC is looking to expand its influence beyond the industry. At the March 2024 meeting, there was agreement to form joint working groups to coordinate industry positions on key international standards being developed by ISO Technical Committee 197, Hydrogen Technologies. These joint working groups will work to promote broader adoption of industry positions in ISO standards.
CGA is proud to participate in the IHC, as we recognize the critical importance of global safety standards in our industry. By participating in harmonization, we ensure consistency and clarity in safety guidelines throughout the world, enhancing the safe handling, transportation, and use of gases worldwide. Through collaboration with our IHC partners, we further our mission to continuously improve industry safety.
The next IHC meeting will be hosted by JIMGA on March 24 – 25, 2026.
Interested in learning more about CGA’s harmonization activities or joining an active harmonization work effort? Please reach out to Kristy Mastromichalis.