What is a Standard?

According to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a standard is “a guideline approved by a recognised body that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for products, processes and production methods, with which compliance is not mandatory. The term may also include or deal exclusively with terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to a product, process or production method.” Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.

 

Benefits of International Standards

International Standards bring technological, economic and societal benefits. They help to harmonize technical specifications of products and services making industry more efficient and breaking down barriers to international trade. Conformity to International Standards helps reassure consumers that products are safe, efficient and good for the environment.

 

Economic Benefits

International Standards help to:

• optimise operations, cut production costs and therefore improve the bottom line
• improve quality, enhance customer satisfaction and increase sales
• prevent trade barriers and open up global markets
• increase productivity and competitive advantage
• provide a platform on which to build new and exciting innovations

 

Social Benefits

International Standards help to:

• reduce negative impacts on the environment
• preserve the health of citizens
• give consumers confidence that their products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality

 

Government Benefits

International Standards help to:

• guide governments when developing public policy
• support public policy
• ensure that requirements for imports and exports are the same the world over
• facilitate the movement of goods, services and technologies from country to country