A standard is an agreed way of doing something and represents the current state of the art. Standards ensure that the characteristics and performance of products are consistent, that people use the same definitions and terms, and that products are tested the same way. Standards are developed as national or regional as for exemple the European standards (EN) or as international standards (ISO).
Standards covering fire safety are standards defining testing, assessment and classification methods for the fire performance of products, but also product standards specifying specific assessment methods for materials, products and assemblies (like buildings, trains, ships etc.). Fire Codes Database