Yes i agree, we have ISO 9001 (well not in the UK but dont tell them that) which covers manufacture and inspection etc. there is no API standard for downhole tools, thats why Shell are struggling to come up with something, and nothing was specified when they ordered it. The only thing we could do is come up with our own spec for designing / testing the tools (pressure testing safety factors etc, based it on API 6A, but lower safety factors)?. as i guess due to Shell this may come up more often.
cheers