Dear Industry Stakeholder,

Introducing the 2026: Countertop and Surfaces Manufacture Licensing Standard (Unapproved), an industry-led effort developed to strengthen safety, improve accountability, and protect workers across countertop and surface fabrication operations.

This standard has been built by industry, for the industry. The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is serving as the coordinating body, bringing together the workers, manufacturers, distributors, safety professionals, and workforce leaders to develop a framework that is practical, enforceable, and grounded in real-world operations.

At this stage, the standard remains in draft form and has not been approved or adopted by any regulatory authority.

As part of the development process, a 45-day public comment period will open once the standard is published. This is a critical step to ensure the final standard reflects the needs and realities of the industry. During this period:

• All industry stakeholders are invited to submit feedback
• Comments will be documented
• Input will be evaluated by technical, operational, and governance committees (see committee section)

This process is structured to reflect the principles of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), along with established U.S. public comment practices, allowing for a balanced and transparent path toward industry consensus.

The purpose of this standard is to:

• Reduce and prevent silica exposure
• Establish clear, enforceable safety expectations
• Support regulatory enforcement efforts
• Create consistency across countertop and surface manufacturing  

While ISFA is coordinating this effort, the standard represents the collective input and shared responsibility of the industry.

We encourage your participation in the public comment process and welcome your feedback as we work to strengthen safety and advance the future of trade.

Sincerely,
Laurie Weber
CEO
International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA)