"International Seabuckthorn Coordinating Committee" was proposed to set up by 12 countries including China, Russia and Canada and so on in 1995 International Symposium on Seabuckthorn was held in Beijing. One representative was elected from all countries as committee member, and the secretariat was established in Chinese Administration Center for Seabuckthorn Development.

"International Seabuckthorn Association"(ISA) was proposed to set up by more than 60 representatives from China, India, Canada and other countries in 1999 International Symposium on Seabuckthorn held in India. At the same time, "international Seabuckthorn Coordinating Committee "to stop running. At the meeting, the members of broad was elected, and ISA charter was formulated. Also the head of Chinese Administration Center for Seabuckthorn Development was elected as the president of ISA. Secretariat was set up in Chinese Administration Center for Seabuckthorn Development as the same.

Over the years, the association has made considerable progress by the joint effort from Secretariat and other countries. The first to the fourth ISA conferences were held successfully in Germany, China, Canada and Russia in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. There were 150 participants from nearly 30 countries attended the conferences. Global construction and comprehensive utilization of seabuckthorn was promoted greatly.

Membership fee standard and payment methods were made by association refered to the practice of international academic organizations. The daily running expenses and meeting fees was solved by Secretariat or host country.