The need for improved standardization and harmonization of emergency relief and medical items provided by donors and major operational players has been expressed over the years. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross supported by National Societies have coordinated their joint efforts towards this objective.

The catalogue is intended to facilitate the selection and acquisition of the suitable items notably during emergency operations. Standardisation is intended to facilitate field operations and logistics support, improve quality insurance, communication and reporting, and also to avoid inappropriate donations. The catalogue provides generic technical specifications for essential items.