Slide1: ISO Policy on global relevance


What is global relevance? Strive to achieve a unique solution: What is global relevance? Strive to achieve a unique solution "The required characteristic of an International Standard is that it can be used/implemented as broadly as possible by affected industries and other stakeholders in markets around the world"  TMB resolution 1/2003 TMB policy statement and implementation guidelines


Why is global relevance important ?: Why is global relevance important ? Growth in international trade USD 2 000 billion (1980) to USD 6 500 billion (2000) Regional initiatives European Union, APEC… ISO standards More than 15 600 published in 59 years 20 countries vote on average Developing countries And WTO/TBT


Global relevance and WTO: Global relevance and WTO In order to serve the interests of the WTO […] in facilitating international trade and preventing unnecessary trade barriers, international standards need to be relevant and to : Effectively respond to regulatory and market needs Respond to scientific and technological developments in various countries


Global relevance and WTO (cont.): Global relevance and WTO (cont.) Not stifle innovation and technological development Not give preference to the characteristics or requirements of specific countries or regions when different needs or interests exist in other countries or regions Be performance-based rather than based on design or descriptive characteristics Not distort the global market Have no adverse effects on fair competition


Who needs to be aware of this policy ?: Who needs to be aware of this policy ? Bodies proposing new work items ISO committee chairs, secretaries, delegates and WG experts The TMB


How do we achieve global relevance?Determine the factors that affect global relevance: How do we achieve global relevance? Determine the factors that affect global relevance Evaluate feasibility of global relevance: Stage 0 and feasibility study before launching a new proposal (NP) ballot When voting on a NP : Market needs are recognized No potential impediments to the development of a globally relevant standard


How do we achieve global relevance?: How do we achieve global relevance? Manufacturers Users Test houses and conformity assessment operators Regulators Socio-economic partners Developed and developing countries Gain the commitment of all interested parties from the outset! …and their participation


How do we achieve global relevance? Governmental requirements and standards: How do we achieve global relevance? Governmental requirements and standards Harmonization by cooperation outside and within ISO Other national regulations Global ISO standards US – Regulation (e.g. Food and drug administration,...) EU –European directive – (e.g. Machines, Lifts, Medical devices,...) Australian Regulation (e.g. Therapeutic Goods Administration,...)


How do we achieve global relevance? Performance over prescription!: How do we achieve global relevance? Performance over prescription! Go the performance route Horizontal approach Fewer commercial conflicts Facilitates innovation Standards require less frequent revision Avoid “empty-shell” standards


How do we achieve global relevance? Performance over prescription! (cont.): How do we achieve global relevance? Performance over prescription! (cont.) And what about market differences ? One option is an alternative deliverable (e.g. ISO/TS) As ‘stepping stones’ to an ISO standard If the TC is convinced of the feasibility of an International Standard


Options: Options Be flexible in approach One size does not fit all Deemed to satisfy performance approach Consider an evolutionary process to address market differences that evolve over time


Options (cont.) : Options (cont.) Options in the Standard ? if LEGITIMATE REASONS but limited : Optional requirement should constitute only a MINORITY of the requirements in an International Standard the intent is to capture and accommodate market dynamics, not regional or national differences Consider an evolutionary process to address market differences that evolve over time


Options (cont.) : Options (cont.) How to address different market dynamics ? Parallel normative clauses in the main body text Parallel clauses in normative annexes Parallel sub-parts Consider an evolutionary process to address market differences that evolve over time


Essential differences Apply rules for dealing with essential differences: Essential differences Apply rules for dealing with essential differences Essential differences in markets = factors that are not expected to change over time: Imbedded technological infrastructures Climatic differences Geographical or anthropological differences


Essential differences Apply rules for dealing with essential differences (cont.): Essential differences Apply rules for dealing with essential differences (cont.) How to include them in International standards ? To be requested by a P member, at the earliest possible stage Request submitted to the P members of the TC/SC for approval To be specified in the context of the specific conditions : “…in countries in which the electricity supply is 60Hz, in regions in which average daytime temperature is less than x°, in tropical countries etc,…” Rather than specific provisions for particular countries