The significant role of the national standards has ever been growing as a critical infrastructure of the national competitiveness. Strategic policies for the advancement of the national standards system in Korea are suggested based on the analysis of trends surrounding the national standards at home and abroad. National standards failing in securing international recognition of its technical competence give an adverse effect to the improvement of industry and national welfare. As a most effective way toward the advancement of the national standards system, the national metrology institute should be placed at the top of the national standards system so as to exert its influence with its technical capabilities close to international level. Efforts are to be made to secure international credibility of the national standards through faithful implementation of the requirements of the mutual recognition arrangement(MRA). And, the legal structures should be refined to be in harmony with the global environment.