ISO/FDIS 42503

Sharing economy — Framework for implementation

This document provides a sharing economy framework for implementation. It is applicable to all organizations in the public, private, and voluntary sectors.

Economie du partage — Cadre pour la mise en œuvre

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 03.080.01 - Services in general
• ICS: 35.240.63 - IT applications in trade
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 324 - Sharing economy
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 324 - Sharing economy
• Current Stage: 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
• Start Date: 01-Apr-2026
• Completion Date: 01-Apr-2026

Overview

ISO/FDIS 42503: Sharing economy - Framework for implementation specifies a comprehensive framework for the implementation of sharing economy models. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard is applicable to all organizations-regardless of sector or size-including public, private, and voluntary entities aiming to leverage sharing economy platforms.

The sharing economy is built on interactions between platform operators, providers, and users, facilitated through digital or offline platforms. ISO/FDIS 42503 provides guidance to help organizations harness the benefits of the sharing economy while minimizing potential risks. By aligning with this standard, organizations can ensure their practices are responsible, transparent, and supportive of key economic, social, and environmental objectives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Topics

• Triangular Model Structure: Outlines the relationships and transactions among platform operators, providers, and users.
• Implementation Framework Components: Details governance, human resources, risk management, compliance, stakeholder engagement, supply chain management, whistleblower and redress mechanisms, and communication strategies.
• Roles in the Ecosystem: Defines the roles of governments, market players, and other ecosystem actors, including their responsibilities in legal, regulatory, and operational contexts.
• Continual Improvement: Emphasizes mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of sharing economy practices.
• Complaints and Grievance Processes: Provides guidance for transparent and effective complaints handling, aligned with ISO 10002 where applicable.
• Alignment with the SDGs: Focuses on enabling economic, societal, and environmental benefits that support sustainable development.

Applications

Implementing ISO/FDIS 42503 brings practical value to organizations participating in or regulating sharing economy models. Key applications include:

• Establishing Trust and Transparency: Provides a structured approach for digital platform operators to manage interactions, information flow, and transaction phases, promoting transparency and user trust.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Supports identification and mitigation of legal, operational, and reputational risks, helping organizations comply with national and cross-border regulations.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages dialogue with customers, partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure interests are recognized and addressed.
• Efficient Complaints and Redress: Enables organizations to operationalize robust customer complaints, grievance response, and dispute resolution mechanisms for improved customer satisfaction.
• Responsible Ecosystem Integration: Guides organizations in collaborating with financial, insurance, logistics, and cybersecurity partners to ensure safe and efficient sharing economy practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Introduces a process for regular review of strategies, technologies, and processes to address emerging challenges, including advancements in digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Related Standards

ISO/FDIS 42503 is designed to complement a suite of ISO standards in the sharing economy domain. Relevant and referenced standards include:

• ISO 42500: Sharing economy - General principles
  • Covers foundational principles for sharing economy platforms.
• ISO 10002: Quality management - Customer satisfaction - Guidelines for complaints handling in organizations
  • Offers procedures for effective customer complaints processes.
• ISO/TS 42501: Sharing economy - General trustworthiness and safety requirements for digital platforms
  • Specifies trust and safety needs for digital sharing platforms.
• ISO/TS 42502: Sharing economy - Guidance for provider verification on digital platforms
  • Provides guidance on verifying providers in sharing economy environments.
• ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27400: Information security and IoT security standards
  • Offer additional guidance on managing digital risks and cybersecurity.

Implementing this framework helps organizations in the sharing economy ecosystem operate ethically and efficiently, supporting innovation, trust, and sustainable growth. By following ISO/FDIS 42503, organizations can enhance operational performance and stakeholder confidence across global sharing economy platforms.

Standards Content (Sample)

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 324
Sharing economy — Framework for
Secretariat: JISC
implementation
Voting begins on:
2026-04-01
Voting terminates on:
2026-05-27
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 324
Sharing economy — Framework for
Secretariat: JISC
implementation
Voting begins on:
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
© ISO 2026
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BEING ACCE
...

ISO/DIS FDIS 42503:2025(en)
ISO/TC 324
Secretariat: JISC
Date: 2025-10-152026-03-18
Sharing economy — Framework for implementation

DISFDIS stage
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Relationships between platform operator, provider, user and other actors in the
implementation framework . 4
5 Sharing economy implementation framework . 5
5.1 General. 5
5.2 Role of government, market players and supporting ecosystem in the sharing economy
implementation framework . 6
5.3 Implementation framework components . 7
6 Continual improvement . 9
Annex A (informative) Complaints handling process . 10
Bibliography . 13

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. This
document is intended to complement ISO 42500, ISO/DIS 42501 and ISO/TS 42502.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 324, Sharing economy.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
A distinctive feature of the sharing economy as a new economic model is its reliance on a triangular set of
interactions among providers and users, facilitated by platform operators.

Figure 1— Figure representing sharing economy
The sharing economy potentially provides new opportunities and innovations for the production and
distribution of different types of products and assets. As such, if the sharing economy model is properly
structured and implemented, it can generate wealth, provide needed products and assets and align with the
economic, social and environmental objectives articulated in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, it is important to recognize that, if applications of the sharing
economy are not developed and implemented properly, they can have potential adverse effects on workers,
consumers, citizens, businesses, the environment and other interests.
This document specifies requirements for and gives guidance on the operationalization of this new economic
model. This document is intended to assist in realizing the positive potential of the sharing economy while
minimizing its adverse effects in diverse applications of the unique sharing economy triangular model.
This document addresses key economic, social, and environmental considerations and factors associated with
planning, developing, governance, management, delivery, monitoring, evaluating, and continually improving
sharing economy applications and approaches in a manner that is optimally aligned with the UN SDGs. This is
particularly important for key actors and stakeholders within the sharing economy ecosystem (i.e. the
infrastructure and services associated with the network of organizations, other actors and stakeholders
involved in the sharing economy).
Via a structured implementation framework, government, platform operators, providers, users and other
actors and stakeholders will also be able to better relate to and understand the connection, interaction, impact
and benefit of evolving digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, metaverse,
web3.0, fintech, etc. that potentially impact on their existing sharing economy applications, and thus plan for
necessary interventions and actions.
This document complements ISO 42500, ISO 42501 and ISO/TS 42502.
v
Sharing economy — Framework for implementation
1 Scope
This document establishes a framework for the implementation of a sharing economy. It specifies
requirements for and gives guidance on the operational economic, social, environmental, legal and other
considerations and factors associated with implementation of sharing economy applications and approaches
in sharing economy contexts.
This document is applicable to all actors participating in the sharing economy ecosystem, including platform
operators, providers, users and other stakeholders.
This document is applicable to all types and sizes of organization (e.g. commercial enterprises, government
agencies, not-for-profit organizations).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10002, Quality management—Customer satisfaction -- Guidelines for complaints handling in
organizations
ISO 42500, Sharing economy — General principles
ISO/TS 42501:2022, Sharing economy — General trustworthiness and safety requirements for digital platforms
ISO/TS 42502, Sharing economy — Guidance for provider verification on digital platforms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 42500 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
framework
foundational structure for the operation and management of sharing economy (3.3) applications
3.2
ecosystem
interacting components and services that support the network of organizations, stakeholders (3.8) and other
actors (3.10) involved in the sharing economy (3.3)
Note 1 to entry: Organizations can include public bodies.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 27400:2022, 3.8, modified — “interacting components and services that support the”
replaced “infrastructure and services based on a” and “and other actors involved in the sharing economy”
added.]
3.3
sharing economy
economic model where platforms enable providers (3.5) and users (3.9) to exchange products (3.7) and assets
Note 1 to entry: In the sharing economy:
a) platforms are neither providers nor users of the products and assets exchanged between providers and users;
b) exchanges between providers and users can take place both online and offline;
c) exchanges can be and are often intended to be “peer to peer” of underutilized resources, for free or for a fee;
d) platforms facilitate transactions between providers and users, such as payment processing, insurance procurement,
reputational rating/review systems and complaints handling;
e) providers can provide assets or access to assets.
Note 2 to entry: There are many different types of economic models. The sharing economy is one type of economic model.
[SOURCE: ISO 42500:2021, 3.1, modified — Note 3 to entry deleted.]
3.4
platform operator
individual or entity that administers a platform
Note 1 to entry: In the sharing economy (3.3), the platform operator:
a) is neither a provider (3.5) nor a user (3.9);
b) can administer an online or an offline platform;
c) can engage in interactions with providers and users to support the exchange of products (3.7) and assets between
providers and users.
[SOURCE: ISO 42500:2021, 3.3]
3.5
provider
individual or organization that provides products (3.7) and/or assets to users (3.9) using a platform
Note 1 to entry: In the sharing economy (3.3), a provider is not a platform operator (3.4).
Note 2 to entry: A “trader” is an example of an individual or organization that provides products/assets.
[SOURCE: ISO 42500:2021, 3.4, modified — Note 2 to entry added.]
3.6
risk
effect of uncertainty
Note 1 to entry: An effect is a deviation from the expected – positive or negative.
Note 2 to entry: Uncertainty is the state, even partial, of deficiency of information related to, understanding or knowledge
of, an event, its consequence or likelihood.
Note 3 to entry: Risk is often characterized by reference to potential events and consequences, or a combination of these.
Note 4 to entry: Risk is often expressed in terms of a combination of the consequences of an event (including changes in
circumstances) and the associated likelihood of occurrence.
11)
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:—, 3.1.7.2, modified — Note 5 to entry has been deleted.]
3.7
product
good or service
22)
3.2.1, modified — “good” replaced “any goods”.]
[SOURCE: ISO 14024:—,
3.8
stakeholder
individual, group or organization that does not have any particular interest in any sharing economy (3.3)
decision or activity, but can in its decisions and actions in some way affect the operation of the sharing
economy (e.g. the media)
Note 1 to entry: An effect is a deviation from the expected – positive or negative.
3.9
user
individual or organization that is a recipient of a provider’s (3.5)products (3.7) and assets
Note 1 to entry: In the sharing economy (3.3):
a) “recipient” includes a proxy of a recipient and a potential recipient. (e.g. individual or organization who browses on
a platform);
b) a user can include a customer as defined in ISO 9000 and a consumer as defined in ISO/IEC Guide 76.
[SOURCE: ISO 42500:2021, 3.5]
3.10
actor
organization or individual that fulfils a role
[SOURCE: ISO 23234:2021(en), 3.4]
3.11
government
set of state institutions that control and administer a collectivity in a particular jurisdiction.
Note 1 to entry: States can have several levels or spheres of government, depending on the political organization of that
country, such as local or municipal, regional or state governments, and national or federal.
3.12
sharing economy supporting ecosystem
interconnected network of actors and mechanisms that directly or indirectly support the continued operation
of the sharing economy including the platform operator, the provider and the user, as well as the interacting
set of individuals, organizations and mechanisms that facilitate the ongoing functioning of the sharing

Under preparation. Stage at the current time: ISO/DIS 9000:2025.
1)
Under preparation. Stage at the current time: ISO/FDIS 9000:2026.

Under preparation. Stage at the current time: ISO/DIS 14024:2025.
2)
Under preparation. Stage at the current time: ISO/PRF 14024:2026.

economy by providing services, resources and technology that assist in enabling, enhancing and improving
the implementation of the sharing economy.
Note 1 to entry: The sharing economy supporting ecosystem includes market players other than the platform operator,
the provider and the user, who in one way or the other facilitate sharing economy transactions (e.g. banks, insurance
companies, support service companies), the mechanisms employed to facilitate transactions (e.g. credit card payment
systems). They all interact to create the sharing economy ecosystem.
3.13
sharing economy market players
businesses, individuals, and organizations (profit and non-profit) that are part of the sharing economy
supporting ecosystem (3.12.)
4 Relationships between platform operator, provider, user and other actors in the
implementation framework
As depicted in ISO 42500, the basic sharing economy model generally involves a triangular relationship
between platform operators, providers and users, and the interactions between these parties.
These interactions are intermediated via a platform which typically involves five distinct transaction phases
(see Figure 2): on-boarding, information delivery/update, connection, transaction and rating/review.
As described in ISO/TS 42501 and ISO/TS 42502, platform operators provide necessary mechanisms and
resources to ensure that transactions between provider and user are facilitated in a transparent, trustworthy,
accountable and inclusive manner.
In accordance with ISO/TS 42502 regarding matters related to verification of their identity, capability and
capacity as well as legality of their products and/or assets, the provider shall conform to requirements set by
the platform operators.
The individual and/or organization that is the recipient of the products and/or assets shall interact and
transact with the provider via the platform in a manner that is consistent with the general principles of the
sharing economy as described in ISO 42500.
In a typical scenario, the user will communicate and exchange information on their requirements for a product
and/or assets via the platform. The platform operator will then provide necessary mechanisms to
communicate and ensure that the information is passed on and/or matched to the provider that meet the
needs of the user. Delivery of products and/or assets only occurs once the provider and user establish a
contractual relationship through the platform operator, governed by a service agreement that defines their
respective roles, responsibilities and expectations.
In addition to the platform operator, provider and user, there are also other actors and stakeholders who are
directly and/or indirectly involved in or affected by this triangular relationship. The most common additional
actors are the government, the market players and the supporting ecosystem actors. Governments provide
the essential legal and regulatory structure within which sharing economy platform operators, providers and
users interact, thus facilitating transactions that protect consumers, workers, competitors, the environment
and other interests. Sharing economy market players (e.g. banks and other financial providers, cyber security
providers, reputation review providers, logistics providers) perform key roles in support of platform
operators, providers and users. The sharing economy supporting ecosystem includes the mechanisms and
services associated with the network of organizations, other actors and stakeholders involved in the sharing
economy (e.g. mechanisms for payment, security, delivery and reputation review that are implemented by
platform operators, providers, users, governments and various market players).
...