API’s Standards Committees are made up of subcommittees and task groups made up of industry experts who develop API standards. These groups identify the need, then develop, approve, and revise standards and other technical publications. New projects must be justified by valid business and safety needs. The standards-writing subcommittees and task groups are open to representatives of groups that are materially affected by the standards. These include oil and gas companies, manufacturers and suppliers, contractors and consultants, and representatives of government agencies and academia.
The API Executive Committee on Standardization of Oilfield Equipment and Materials (ECS) provides leadership in the efficient development and maintenance of standards that meet the priority needs of the domestic and global oil and gas exploration and production industry by minimizing needs for individual company standards, promoting broad availability of safe, interchangeable oilfield equipment and materials, and, promoting broad availability of proven engineering and operating practices.
The API Committee on Refinery Equipment (CRE) promotes safe and proven engineering practices in the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, and use of materials and equipment in refineries and related processing facilities.
The API Pipeline Standards Committees are dedicated to developing, revising, and approving consensus standards for the pipeline industry. These committees are comprised of technical experts, operating companies, vendors, consultants, academia, and regulators to create standards that facilitate safe operation and maintenance of pipelines.
The API Safety and Fire Protection Committee (SFPS) provides proactive safety and occupational health leadership and expertise to the industry, API committees and member companies. The SFPS seeks to advance and improve the industry’s overall safety and occupational health performance by combining resources to identify and address important public, employee and company issues.
The API Committee on Petroleum Measurement (COPM) provides leadership in developing and maintaining cost effective, state of the art, hydrocarbon measurement standards and programs based on sound technical principles consistent with current measurement technology, recognized business accounting and engineering practices, and industry consensus. This is accomplished through the committee's and API’s leadership role in the national and international standardization community in the development, publication, promotion, and revision of petroleum measurement standards, through its subcommittee structure, and through elimination of duplicative efforts.