Laboratories are key in the testing process, but they work with ‘certainties’. However, out of the laboratory, products and technologies are also impacted by uncertainties. It is a fact that information about the accuracy is missing at times. Uncertainty comes from production, use, etc. That is why there are tolerances, and companies have to stay within these.

 

Elena Santiago comments that it is a worry, and that agreements need to be reached on commonly accepted standards. Uncertainties can be classified as three types: measurement method, equipment and laboratory quality, and all three are integrated in the standardisation process. This demands an increasing need for clarity in standards.

 

The European Union and federal governments increasingly ask SMEs to get involved in the standardisation process. The challenge for SMEs is the deployment of expertise vs. the availability of resources. Jonathan Buck stresses that small and big players must have equal rights during discussions, and that their expertise is highly valuable. Since 99% of all European enterprises are SMEs, this is also a very important issue on a European level. Therefore, the issue is twofold for Elena Santiago: there needs to be access to standards (which standards to use, sector related, implementation), and participation in the standardisation process is required. That is why the trade organisations are being targeted, because they are closer to the SMEs.

 

Standardisation helps to assure quality, but it isn’t always necessary. It also results in the fact that fewer products make it onto the market. Paul Depuydt is hesitant about legal enforcement. When it comes to safety and ecology, there is certainly a need for enforcement. But, legislation always runs behind the facts. And, the legislation that is put in place should be on a European or global level, otherwise it limits the market. More importantly, transparency is required. There needs to be a clear view of the benefits and downsides. In his opinion, we should allow consumers to communicate, so the market can purify itself.

The overall consensus is that enforced standards will jeopardise innovation and forward thinking, but that there is just as much of a problem with how they are enforced.

 

There is a need to include all stakeholders in the standardisation process. Consumer associations are well placed to give input on a national or European level. A good example, according to Elena Santiago, is how consumer groups have been involved in raising the standards for use of electrical appliances for the elderly.

 

Products are constantly required to meet standards on various levels, from operational guarantees to energy consumption, etc. But too often, it becomes very difficult to get a clear overview of all the standards, let alone meet them. In Jonathan Buck’s opinion, it is important that standards are maintained. It is then the role of organisations like the BEC to help demystify the clustering of standards.

 

A related question raises the issue of the increasing quantity of standards. In the eighties, standards focused on safety. Later, communication standards came into it. Today, there are the environmental issues. In addition, technologies have evolved and merged, which means that products often go through different standardisation processes at independent organisations. Elena Santiago agrees that there is a need to simplify and optimise, and to address the convergence of technology better. This trend will lead to joint technical committees and more transparency.