The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published SDMX as "International Standard" (IS) 17369 on 8 January 2013. Version 1.0 of SDMX was approved as an ISO Technical Specification (TS) in 2005, which had a limited life and eventually needed to be retired or be advanced to the status of International Standard. Version 2.1 of SDMX was completed and published in May 2011. Since that time, SDMX progressed through ISO review and approval stages that led to a ballot among all members of the ISO Technical Committee 154 around the world and ended in support of its publication as ISO/IS 17369.

The ISO publication essentially covers the SDMX Framework (Part 1 of the standard) with additional explanatory material and references to the seven parts of the standard which are to be found on the SDMX website in the Standards section.

The achievement of SDMX being published as ISO/IS 17369 is particularly important for institutions in countries that require an International Standard to be used in funding statistical development activities.

SDMX will continue to advance standards work in the years ahead within the community of experts and institutions, with this work appearing on the SDMX website and providing a basis for any proposals to modify ISO/IS 17369 in the future.