NEWS RELEASE - Tokyo, 13 November 2014

European and Japanese standardization organizations - CEN, CENELEC and JISC - agree to strengthen their cooperation

Leaders from the European and Japanese standardization organizations have signed a joint Cooperation Agreement in Tokyo today (13 November). The Cooperation Agreement between CEN, CENELEC and JISC provides a new framework for closer collaboration on various aspects of standardization, which will facilitate trade in goods and services between Europe and Japan.

The three organizations – CEN (European Committee for Standardization), CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) and JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee) – have committed themselves to increase their cooperation on issues of joint interest, in order to enable greater technical alignment of both markets. By strengthening their dialogue and promoting the harmonization of standards at international level, they will help to facilitate trade in goods and services between Europe and Japan, thereby contributing to sustainable growth.

The Cooperation Agreement was signed by the Presidents of CEN and CENELEC, respectively Mr Friedrich Smaxwil and Mr Tore Trondvold, and by the President of JISC, Dr Tamotsu Nomakuchi, at a ceremony in Tokyo (Japan), where the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is holding its 78th General Meeting.

The Cooperation Agreement between CEN, CENELEC and JISC provides a common framework to facilitate the sharing of information, the transfer of technical knowledge and the exchange of best practices, as well as mutual support with regard to the work of the international standardization organizations, ISO and IEC.

By developing and deepening their cooperation in the field of standardization, CEN, CENELEC and JISC will contribute to overcoming technical barriers to trade and thus facilitating trade between Japan and Europe. Their cooperation would also support the successful implementation of an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agreement between the EU and Japan, which is currently under negotiation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Tokyo, Dr Tamotsu Nomakuchi, President of JISC, said: "Among various activities under this Cooperation Agreement, I am pleased to hear that Working Groups for Smart Grids, Railways and Accessible Design are very active with participation of high-level experts from both sides. I believe these Working Groups will be further activated under the new agreement, and I hope that we can continue and further enhance our good relationship between Europe and Japan."

Representing CEN and CENELEC, the President of CENELEC, Mr Tore Trondvold, said: "We are convinced that through our Cooperation Agreement with JISC, which provides for the exchange of technical information and the sharing of standards, we will extend the benefits that standards bring to our societies, and contribute to the growth of our economies and the well-being of our people." Notes

CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) are recognised by the EU as European Standardization Organizations responsible for developing and defining standards at European level. These standards set out specifications and procedures in relation to a wide range of materials, products and services.

The members of CEN and CENELEC are the National Standards Bodies and National Electro-technical Committees of 33 European countries including all of the EU member states plus 3 EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) as well as 2 EU candidate countries (Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

European Standards (ENs) are developed through a process of collaboration among experts nominated by business and industry, research institutes, consumer and environmental organisations and other stakeholders. These standards are accepted and recognised in all of the countries covered by CEN and CENELEC members. When correctly applied, they contribute to enhancing safety, improving quality, facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening the European Single Market.

CEN and CENELEC work to promote the international alignment of standards in the framework of technical cooperation agreements with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

CEN-CENELEC website: www.cencenelec.eu

JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee) is recognized as the National Standards Body of Japan and represents Japan in international and regional standardization organizations. JISC consists of many national committees and plays a central role in standardization activities in Japan. The tasks of JISC is the development and maintenance of Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) standards, administration of accreditation and certification, participation and contribution in international standardization activities, and development of measurement standards and technical infrastructure for standardization.

JISC website: www.jisc.go.jp/eng/

Media contact

Ben Carlin Communication Unit CEN-CENELEC Management Centre T: +32 2 550 08 32 [email protected] Twitter: @CENCLCpress