Shanghai has consistently prioritized standardization efforts, taking the lead in China by introducing the first provincial-level local regulations on standardization and driving numerous innovative practices. Article 25 of the Shanghai Standardization Regulations (revised in 2019) stipulates that locally developed standards which are domestically leading or internationally advanced may use the SHANGHAI STANDARD label, subject to voluntary application and third-party evaluation. This labeling system supports Shanghai's Four Major Brands and Five Centers initiatives, promoting high-quality development and enhancing the city's core competitiveness.

To implement the SHANGHAI STANDARD labeling system, the Shanghai Standard Evaluation Committee was established, with Professor Shen Yuandong, Honorary President of SAIS-TCM, serving as its first Director. In 2021, SAIS-TCM was approved as a third-party technical evaluation institution for the SHANGHAI STANDARD in the Health Sector, responsible for assessing the advancement of standards related to technologies, products, information, and services in this field. By the end of 2024, 10 standard projects had been evaluated, of which 7 were recognized as SHANGHAI STANDARD.

In 2021, SAIS-TCM established the Department of Standardization on Health Products, Process and Services to conduct research on Health standardization, evaluate candidate SHANGHAI STANDARD projects, monitor and assess approved projects, and manage related activities. In recent years, the department has led research on standardization development strategies for Health, with findings included in the Annual Report on Shanghai Health and Wellness Policies (2025) (the Green Book). The Center will soon publish The Series on Evaluation Theories and Practices for Health Standards.