Electric motors and drives consume the largest amount of electricity more than 40% of global electricity consumption. In addition, motors, drives and its components are included in the global high-trade products and the main driving source for industrial equipment and house appliances. Thus, International standards and regulations for their safety and efficiency are internationally being discussed and created for the protection of its citizens and energy saving. So, understanding the international standards and the regulation of each country is essential to enhance overseas market and to develop product. In this paper, on the basis of this background, status and trends of international standards and regulations are introduced for safety and efficiency of motors and the drives. Safety and efficiency of the IEC (International Electrotechical Commission) standards are introduced in the emphasis. Also, regulations are studied about the differences and trends in each county.