This document discusses how ISOcat, a data category registry that implements ISO 12620, can be used within CMDI (Component Metadata Infrastructure) to provide standardized semantics for metadata elements and values. It describes how CMD components, elements, and items can link to standardized data category concepts in ISOcat to clarify their meaning. The status of the ISOcat metadata thematic domain group and standardization process is provided. Trust in the data category registry and individual data categories is addressed. Upcoming features for ISOcat like a user forum and improved standardization support are outlined.