The aim of Annex SL is to enhance the consistency and alignment of MSS by providing a unifying and agreed-upon high level structure, identical core text and common terms and core definitions.
The aim being that all ISO Type A MSS (and B where appropriate) are aligned and the compatibility of these standards is enhanced.
Several attempts have been made since the late 90s to harmonize the way to write these but the first group that succeeded to reach an agreement was the Joint Technical Coordination Group (JTCG) set up by ISO/Technical Management Board.
Various of Technical Committees within ISO are currently working on revising all MSS published before Annex SL was adopted.
According to Annex SL, a Management System Standard should follow the structure:[5] Two kinds of standards for management systems are defined by the Annex SL:[6] Sector specific to ISO 9001 Sector specific to ISO 9001 Sector specific to ISO/IEC 27001 Wikipedia List of ISO standards