Memorandum submitted by the British Standards
Institution
As the UK's National Standards Body, BSI British
Standards welcomes the opportunity to submit a memorandum on exporting
out of recession.
This Memorandum outlines the important role
that British Standards play is assisting the UK economy and how
the use of internationally recognised standards can help exporting
businesses endure a recession.
1. There now exists a significant body of
evidence to support the claims of key economic benefits derived
from the application of standards. Studies conducted in a number
of countries including Australia, Canada, Germany and the UK point
to the macro-economic benefits of standards. In the UK this has
been quantified at an annual contribution to GDP of £2.5 billion
per a year.
2. The question is now being asked if the
role of standards changes in a period of reduced growth or recession.
The simple answer is standards can provide the extra cost saving,
the new customer, the new innovation—a range of benefits
that makes the difference to a business enabling it to survive,
grow and ultimately trade even in the toughest economic conditions.
3. Supporting export trade—Standards
can open doors when companies are looking for new customers in
new markets. New customers will know in advance what to expect,
both in terms of what is delivered and how, simplifying market
entry. Adherence to product standards means that products will
be compatible with other components anywhere else the standard
is being used. Additionally, standards are well-recognized, understood
and respected both nationally and internationally: being able
to claim adherence to standards translates well in any language.
ISO 9001 for instance has been adopted in more than 170 countries
worldwide.
4. Trade & Globalization—Standards
facilitate trade both on a macro and micro level. With the fall
in tariff barriers, technical barriers have now become one of
the main elements that inhibit trade. The WTO's Technical Barriers
to Trade Agreement highlights the need to avoid unnecessary obstacles
to trade, and European and international standards are a way of
harmonising the requirements for products and services between
countries. As the UK's representative in the leading European
and International standards organizations and as one of the world's
leading National Standards Bodies, BSI has a key role to play
in this respect.
5. The formation of the European Single
Market has been one of the greatest successes of European integration
over the last 20 years and standards have played a key role
in ensuring the free movement of goods and services and ultimately
the growth of the European economy and a model for the global
economy. Now as the world economy slows and the threat of protectionist
measures rises, the need to ensure that standards are harmonised
between countries and the free movement of goods and services
continues becomes even more important. BSI has an important role
to play as the UK's National Standards Body and in co-operating
and collaborating with our counterparts around the world.
6. BSI has provided technical assistance,
often in close co-operation with UKTI and FCO officials, to key
countries of strategic importance to the UK such as China and
Russia, as well as emerging economies in Latin America (Mexico),
Eastern Europe (Kosovo) and Asia Pacific (Vietnam). We have been
able to help these countries develop their standards and quality
systems so that they are more aligned with UK best practice, thereby
inherently benefitting British exports.
BSI BACKGROUND
1. BSI British Standards is the UK's National
Standards Body, incorporated by Royal Charter and responsible
independently for preparing British Standards and related publications.
BSI has 107 years of experience in serving the interest of
a wide range of stakeholders including government, business and
consumers ensuring standards are useful, relevant and authoritative.
2. A Standard is a document defining best
practice, established by consensus and approved by a recognized
body (such as BSI). Each standard is kept current through a process
of maintenance and reviewed whereby it is updated, revised or
withdrawn as necessary.
3. Standards are developed when there is
a defined market need through consultation with stakeholders and
a rigorous development process. National committee members represent
their communities in order to develop standards and related documents
by consensus. They include representatives from government, business,
consumers, testing laboratories, suppliers, academic institutions,
social interests, manufactures, regulators and trade unions.
4. BSI champions UK interests at home and
abroad and is an incubator of many of the world's leading standards.
It is the national gateway to all the European and worldwide standards
bodies promoting fair trade, technology transfer, economic prosperity
and security.
5. BSI presents the UK view on standards
in Europe (to CEN and CENELEC) and internationally (to ISO and
IEC).
BSI British Standards welcomes further questions
from the committee and would be delighted to provide oral evidence,
should this be sought.
20 April 2009
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