The Way Forward Developing Countries and Emerging Economies

ISO Focus The Magazine of the International Organization for Standardization Volume 5, No. 9, September 2008, ISSN 1729-8709

The way forward Developing countries and emerging economies

• Tata : Increasing competitiveness with ISO standards • Leaders of international organizations speak up Contents

1 Comment Iman Sudarwo, Chair, ISO/DEVCO 2 World Scene Highlights of events from around the world 3 ISO Scene Highlights of news and developments from ISO members 4 Guest View September.indd 1 04.09.2008 11:29:49 Alan Rosling, Executive Director of Tata Sons Limited ISO Focus is published 11 times a year (single issue : July-August). 8 Main Focus It is available in English. Annual subscription 158 Swiss Francs Developing countries and emerging economies Individual copies 16 Swiss Francs

Publisher ISO Central Secretariat (International Organization for Standardization) 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse CH-1211 Genève 20 Switzerland Telephone + 41 22 749 01 11 Fax + 41 22 733 34 30 E-mail [email protected] Web www.iso.org Manager : Roger Frost The way forward Acting Editor : Maria Lazarte • Team effort for sustainable development Assistant Editor : Janet Maillard • How International Standards can help Artwork : Pascal Krieger and • Developing countries speak up Pierre Granier • Roadmap to development – the ISO Action Plan ISO Update : Dominique Chevaux • The ( t )winning concept Subscription enquiries : Sonia Rosas Friot • Addressing the needs of developing countries ISO Central Secretariat • Successfully bridging the opportunity gap Telephone + 41 22 749 03 36 • A multicultural effort for a multilingual society Fax + 41 22 749 09 47 E-mail [email protected] • Helping developing countries get started • Sharing the cake – The DIN Endowment Fund © ISO, 2008. All rights reserved. • Financing standardization projects – The how’s and why’s of The contents of ISO Focus are copyright the Inter-American Development Bank and may not, whether in whole or in part, be reproduced, stored in a retrieval • Supporting regional integration – The Southern African system or transmitted in any form or Development Community by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without • Bringing down technical barriers to trade with metrology, written permission of the Editor. accreditation and standardization The articles in ISO Focus express the views of the author, and do not necessarily reflect 40 Developments and Initiatives the views of ISO or of any of its members. ISO/TC Chairs conference • Standards and public procurement ISSN 1729-8709 Printed in Switzerland 46 New on the shelf Cover photo : iStock. 49 Coming up ISO Focus September 2008 Comment Meeting the expectations of developing countries

evelopment is not a one-size-fits- ISO standards may be applied publication of the ISO-UNIDO hand- all process. Each country must by organizations of all sizes, includ- book Fast Forward : National Standards Dfind its own path on the way to ing micro and small and medium-sized Bodies [NSBs] in Developing Countries, progress, as ultimately only it can best enterprises, which in developing coun- based on wide and wise expertise, is a tell what its ambitions and needs are. tries often account for the great majori- major contribution to assist NSBs in However, in a globalized world, sustain- ty of businesses. A country implement- exercising this role. able development cannot be achieved in ing International Standards, both for its This issue of ISO Focus reports on isolation. production and its infrastructures, will achievements related to the ISO Action It is now widely recognized that be more attractive to foreign investment Plan, monitored by DEVCO, our Com- International Standards enable access to and procurement. mittee on developing country matters, world markets, the improvement of rela- and on the partnerships to deploy it tionships and interactions among firms “ Since 2005, further. It brings testimonies from var- (thus strengthening the domestic eco- ious national and regional approaches. nomic structure), the dissemination of ISO has been implementing It demonstrates that important progress technology and the transfer of good busi- an ambitious Action Plan has been made and that tools are avail- ness and conformity assessment practic- for developing countries.” able. We must make sure that the impe- es. That is why ISO is actively involved tus is maintained and the resources in promoting their use in developing effectively supplied and used. countries, and in increasing capacity to Since 2005, ISO has been imple- participate in international standardiza- menting an ambitious Action Plan for tion, through national members. Devel- developing countries. Its objectives are oping countries indeed represent 75 % to better identify priorities, to build of ISO’s 157 members. capacity through training and technical By providing global consensus assistance programmes, to facilitate the on characteristics and interoperability access to and use of the IT tools associ- of data, products and services, and by ated with the development and dissem- facilitating international recognition ination of standards, to enhance inter- of conformity assessment and manage- actions at regional and international ment systems, International Standards levels and to increase involvement in facilitate access to world markets. At the governance and technical work of the same time, they provide tools for ISO, for example, through twinning protecting the local population against arrangements. the dumping of low quality or security ISO has partnered with interna- goods through better control of import- tional, regional and national developed products, and this, without creating ment agencies to relay and amplify its technical barriers to trade – a commit- actions, and to promote that raising the Iman Sudarwo ment taken in the context of the World level and performance of the “ quality Chair of ISO/DEVCO Trade Organization by most countries in infrastructure ” is an integral part of eco- which ISO has a member. nomic competitiveness, environmental ISO standards address a number integrity and social progress. of areas of interest to developing coun- Its national members have a key tries, from basic primary industries, man- role to play by monitoring developments ufacturing, building, transportation and in ISO of direct interest to their econo- information technologies to respond- mies ; ensuring national awareness and ing to concerns such as climate change, participation in priority areas ; providing including energy efficiency and envi- information and assistance for imple- ronmental management, food quality menting ISO standards ; and feeding and safety, water quality and distribu- experience and expectations back into tion, healthcare, security and consum- the system to help adjust ISO’s producer protection. tion and assistance to their needs. The

ISO Focus September 2008 1 World Trade Report

The World Trade Report is an annual publication about trends in trade, trade that aims to deepen understanding policy issues and the multilateral trading International trade is integral to the process system. governments in most countries have inc of globalization. Over many years, national trade, whether through reasingly opened their economies WORLD TRADE cooperation or as part of domesthe multilateral trading system, increased rto inter- more generally have brought tic reform programmes. Trade and globalizegional Trade has allowed nations to enormous benefits to many countries and cit ation efficiently. It has raised produ benefit from specialization and to pr izens. REPORT 2008 technologies, and enriched the ractivity, supported the spread of knowledgeoduce and more integration into the world eco nge of choices available to consumers. But deepernew nomy has not always proved to be popul Trade in a Globalizing World the benefits of trade and globalization necessarily reached al As a result, trade scepticism is ar, nor have on the rise in certain quarters.l sections of society. Trade in a Globalizing World The purpose of this year’s Report is to remind ourselves of , whose main theme is “Trade in a Global World Scenewhat we know about the gains from i izing World”, and the challenges arising from higher a range of interlinking ques levels of integration. The nternationalReport trade globalization, what drives it,tions, wh starting with a consideration of what consaddresses and what role does trade play inat benefits does it bring, what challenges d titutes this world of ever-growing inter-dependencyoes it pose Report asks why some countries have managed to take adv costs and greater policy-driven . The antage of falling trade largely outside international commertrading opportunities while others have remai winners and losers are fr cial relations. It also considers who the ned policy-makers to s om trade and what complementary action is ecure the benefits of trade for societ these complex and multi-faceted questions needed from y at large. In examining gains from trade and empirical , the Report reviews both the theoretical evidence that can help to answer these quest 50th anniversary Ms. Eva Molnar, Directorions. of tronic commerce. ISO has pub-

WORLD TRADE REPORT 2008 - of vehicle agreement the Transport Division, under- lished over 1 000 International lined the success and the role Standards in these sectors. The 50th anniversary of the of the WP29 as a unique platISBN : 978-92-870-3454-0- The World Trade Report 2008 1958 Agreement concerning the form to develop global solu- can be downloaded via adoption of uniform technical tions for global issues. prescriptions for vehicles was www.wto.org celebrated with a round table For more information: Facilitating trade held in June 2008 under the http://www.iso.org/ Concerted effort for chairmanship of Mr. Bernard iso/pressrelease.htm? in a globalizing world refid=Ref1145 GHG reduction Gauvin, Vice-Chairman, World The World Trade Organiza- The heads of state of Canada, Forum for Harmonization of tion (WTO) has just published CEN family important France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Vehicle Regulations (WP29). its World Trade Report 2008. Russia, the United Kingdom, component of ISO family Exploring the role that trade th the United States and the Euro- The 34 General Assembly of plays in a world characterized pean Union met in July 2008 CEN (European Committee by increasing inter-dependen- at the 34th G8 Summit, held in for Standardization) took cy, the report examines the Hokkaido, Japan. The meeting place in Bucharest, Romania, benefits, perceptions and provided an opportunity to in June 2008 in the context of trends associated with “Trade discuss the world economy, the Fourth Annual Meeting of in a globalizing world”. CEN-CENELEC (European environmental concerns and Committee for Electrotechni- The report makes reference to African development, together From left: Bernard Gauvin, WP29 cal Standardization). The the advantages of standardiza- with other pressing issues. Vice-Chairman ; Carlo Sinceri, event was hosted by ASRO, tion for trade, for instance, Amongst them, global warming OICA President ; and Alan Bryden, the Romanian national stand- for facilitating the penetration was highlighted as an immense ISO Secretary-General ards body, which is a member of exports into foreign mar- challenge to be addressed © UNECE/L. Konstad of CEN and CENELEC, as kets. Adoption of internation- without delay. al standards is cited as one of well as of ISO, and this year The leaders put special empha- Presentations were made by the th the actions that can expand is celebrating its 10 anniver- sis on the need to reduce and Chairman of the United Nations the productive potential of a sary as a private institution. offset carbon emissions, and Economic Commission for country’s economy. Europe (UN/ECE), the Perma- agreed on a long-term goal of nent Representative to the UN Improved transparency in terms achieving at least 50 % reduc- of Germany and representatives of notification of standards and tion of global emissions by of China, the European Com- technical regulation is identified 2050 – a target that the G8 mission, India, Japan, South as one of the few remarkable leaders hoped can be shared Africa, the European Association achievements which point to a with all parties to the United of Automotive Suppliers reduced incidence of non-tariff Nations Framework Conven- (CLEPA), the Fédération Inter- barriers. This finding is of partic- tion on Climate Change. ular interest to ISO which, under nationale de l’Automobile, ISO, International Standards have an a Memorandum of Understand- the Japan Automobile Standards important contribution to make. ing with the WTO, provides the Internationalization Center and ISO standards, such as ISO 14064 channel for standardizing body the International Organization of and ISO 14065, offer practical notifications and work pro- Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. In the framework of relation- tools for quantifying and moni- gramme information in accord- ships with other standards toring greenhouse gas emissions ISO Secretary-General Alan ance with the WTO Agreement organizations, Dr. George (GHG), and for environmental Bryden highlighted the impor- on Technical Barriers to Trade. Arnold, ISO Vice President communciation (ISO 14063). tance of ISO’s contribution : Policy (see photo), presented “ Some 150 ISO standards are Food and agricultural products Moreover, the ISO 14000 series an “ Update on ISO ”, remark- are highlighted as areas of aims overall to promote good currently referenced by your ing that “ the members of the technical regulations. We are trade and standardization of environmental practice. ISO CEN family are all members particular relevance to devel- standards can also open markets ready to continue to deliver and of ISO and therefore a major welcome a good coordination oping countries, as is the for energy-efficient technologies component of the ISO fami- potential importance of elec- and renewable sources. to capture your expectations ly,” an important advantage, and adjust our production of he noted, as “ many of the standards accordingly.” He challenges to which Europe is World leaders at the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan concluded, “ We are fully com- confronted have to be plementary. Our collaboration addressed at a global level.” is in line with world trends for public policies and with ISO’s The event included a session strategic plan which, under the with the theme of strengthen- general heading of ‘ Interna- ing the market through effec- tional Standards for a sustaina- tive surveillance and the key ble world ’, sets the objective of role standards can play – a promoting the use of our stand- topical subject for ISO, repre- ards as support to technical sented at the session by ISO/ regulations.” CASCO Chair Olivier Peyrat.

2 ISO Focus September 2008 ISO Scene

Conformity assessment 20th anniversary try, where the issue of Inter- to support development national Standards for water of ISO 9001 quality was addressed. and trade The ISO technical committee From right : DSSU Head Larysa A CASCO/DEVCO regional responsible for the ISO 9000 Losyuk ; Ukraine Vice Prime Cinematography goes workshop, hosted by the State family, ISO/TC 176, Quality Minister Oleksandr Turchynov ; digital Committee of Ukraine on management and quality th Technical Regulation and assurance, held its 25th plenary ISO Secretary-General Alan The 20 plenary of ISO/TC 36, Consumer Policy (DSSU), the meeting in Novi Sad, Serbia, Bryden Cinematography, took place in ISO member for Ukraine, took in May 2008. May 2008 in Seoul, Republic place in Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukraine’s reaffirmed of Korea. Over 45 representa- June 2008. Ivan Krsti´c, Acting Director, commitment to tives from a number of nation- Institute for Standardization International Standards al committees participated, Over 100 delegates from the of Serbia, together with including Canada, China, Eastern European region par- ISO/TC 176 officers and over In addition to taking part in France, Germany, Japan, ticipated, including represent- 230 delegates representing 40 the regional workshop on Republic of Korea, the Russian atives from 12 ISO member ISO members and 10 liaisons, conformity assessment in Federation, United Kingdom bodies sponsored under the warmly welcomed the guest Kiev, the ISO Secretary-Gen- and the United States. ISO Action Plan for develop- of honour, Ms. Jasna Mati´c, eral visited key Ukrainian ing countries. ISO Secretary- ISO/TC 36 addresses stand- State Secretary of the Minis- political, academic and industry leaders. His visit closely ardization within five working try of Economy and Regional groups on production, labora- Development of the Republic followed the recent accession nd tory and motion picture distri- of Serbia. of Ukraine as the 152 member of the World Trade Organ- bution, film audio and presen- On 22 May, the 20th anniver- ization. It was therefore a tation technology. The com- sary of the first publication of good opportunity to promote mittee has produced some 100 ISO 9001 (which took place enhanced involvement in the standards. in 2007 when TC 176 did not development and implementa- Digital cinema, an emerging have a plenary meeting) was tion of International Stand- new technology, was the main ards. General Alan Bryden and highlighted both in a keynote topic of discussion, with the DSSU Head Larysa Losyuk address by ISO Secretary- Some key sectors of ISO first 12 digital cinema docu- welcomed delegates. CASCO General Alan Bryden, and in activities for Ukraine relate to ments being made ready for was represented by its Chair- a video prepared by ISO aeronautics, automobiles, publication. Eleven new digit- man, Olivier Peyrat, and the Central Secretariat. Mr. Vuk industrial equipment, food al cinema documents were international accreditation bod- Jeremic´, Minister of Foreign safety and processing, water presented for discussion and ies, IAF and ILAC, by Daniel Affairs of Serbia (see photo), quality, energy efficiency, will be balloted to national Pierre, Chairman of the latter. related the success of the ISO environmental management, committees. Areas of digital 9000 series to the globaliza- timber and consumer protec- cinema being addressed The workshop provided infor- tion of trade and underlined tion. include mastering, distribu- mation on the latest Interna- its contribution to the world- tion and presentation. tional Standards and Guides wide dissemination of good Together with Mrs. Larysa ISO/TC 36’s Chair and on conformity assessment. It quality management practices. Losyuk, Head of DSSU, was an opportunity to improve ISO member for Ukraine, Secretary, Mark Hyman, understanding of the use of Mr. Bryden met the Vice Prime presided at the meetings, these standards for the imple- Minister, Mr. Oleksandr which were co-hosted by mentation of the World Trade Turchynov, and the Minister the ISO member, the Korean Organization Agreement on for Economy, Mr. B. Danylyshin. Agency for Technology Technical Barriers to Trade He also visited the Antonov and Science (KATS), and including management sys- Aeronautics Scientific and the Korean Film Council tems and product certification, Technical Complex and the (KOFIC), and included a tour and methods for providing Institute of Colloid Chemis- of the KOFIC film facilities added confidence in conformi- in Seoul. ty assessment results (e.g. accreditation, peer assessment and mutual recognition arrangements). Dr. Gary Cort, Vice-President In addition to discussing of Software Quality at Cana- regional and international dian electronics company structures to facilitate trade Research in Motion Ltd, has within the region, the work- succeeded Dr. Trevor Smith shop emphasized the role of as Chair of ISO/TC 176. Dur- metrology as a foundation for ing the week, Alan Bryden conformity assessment. also visited the Institute for For more information, con- Standardization of Serbia and tact : [email protected] met its key stakeholders. Participants at the cinematography plenary in Seoul, Republic of Korea

ISO Focus September 2008 3 Guest View Alan Rosling

lan Rosling is ISO Focus : The Tata an Executive Group has emerged in ADirector of a developing country Tata Sons Limited. and established itself He is a member of the as a global player in Tata Group Corpo- sectors as diverse as rate Centre and is chemicals and auto- responsible for the mobiles. What part do Group’s drive to International Stand- internationalize. He is ards play in enabling also a director of Tata its many companies to AutoComp Systems and Tata International. compete in global markets? Mr. Rosling came to India from the Alan Rosling : Match- United Kingdom ing or exceeding global with a backpack benchmarks in qual- when he was a ity is a prerequisite 20-year-old student. for any aspiring mul- The country and its tinational. In recent culture fascinated years, the Tata Group him so much that he Alan Rosling, Executive Director, Tata Sons has emerged rapidly to kept coming back. As Chairman of become a global player in a number of the Jardine Matheson Group, India industries, particularly steel, software, (from 1998 to 2003), he served as automobiles and tea. Last year, more a Director on the boards of two “ Following International than 60 % of the group’s USD 62 bil- Tata companies and was also the Standards helps lion of aggregate revenue was from out- Managing Director of Concorde our companies build side our home country of India. Follow- Motors, a joint venture between ing International Standards helps our Jardine Motors and the Tata Group. competitive positions companies build competitive positions Between 1991 and 1993, Mr. Rosling in the global in the global marketplace. served as Special Advisor to the In the early 1990s, the group marketplace.” started a drive to reinvent itself as glo- British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. bally competitive in terms of cost and John Major, MP, and as a member quality. A key step here was the adop- of the Policy Unit at No.10 Downing tion of the Malcolm Baldrige model for Street. He is currently the Chairman division of Courtaulds Textiles plc, business excellence, which is known in of both the British Business Group, and Strategy Development Director the group as the Tata Business Excel- Mumbai, and of the City of London with United Distillers plc. lence Model (TBEM). Every year, each Advisory Council for India. He received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1994. of our companies is assessed to ensure Mr. Rosling was educated at that processes are clearly defined and Cambridge and the Harvard In this interview, Mr. Rosling talks adhered to, and progress is being made Business School, starting his career about the importance of quality towards superior performance. Business in 1983 as an investment banker standards, and particularly the management systems such as ISO 9001 with S.G. Warburg & Co Ltd. relevance of ISO benchmarks, in a (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO/ Subsequent positions have included modern-day business world. TS 16949 (quality in the automotive sec- Chief Executive of Piersons, a tor), ISO/IEC 27001 (information secu-

4 ISO Focus September 2008 Bombay House : rity) and OHSAS 18001 (occupational The Tata Group health and security) are critical to this headquarters in quality movement, and all group com- Mumbai, India. panies are encouraged to adopt quality systems relevant to their business and move on to higher standards.

Tata Motors plant, at Pune, India. “ ISO standards are Tata Motors is a leading global universally recognized as manufacturer marking businesses with of passenger strong process cultures cars, commercial vehicles and and reliable product automotive quality.” components.

Guided by core values The Tata Group is one of the biggest and most renowned business conglomerates in India. But there is more to this business house than size and fame. With 96 companies in seven business sectors, the group has been a pioneer and a standard bearer in more ways than one. Founded in the mid-19th century, the group has operations ISO Focus : What advice do you have in more than 80 countries across six continents and a set of five for companies from developing coun- core values to guide it: integrity, understanding, excellence, unity tries and emerging economies in terms and responsibility. of using ISO standards to their advantage ? The Tata pursuit of quality and business excellence has found renewed focus in recent years as group companies seek to spread Alan Rosling : In a rapidly integrat- their wings, from being India-centric in outlook and operations to ing world, business models are being becoming significant players on the global stage. The inter- disaggregated to serve customers more effectively and at lowest costs. Corporate nationalization agenda has not dimmed the group’s steadfast and entities with real competitive capability distinctive adherence to business ethics and its commitment to are rapidly emerging from traditionally corporate sustainability. This is a legacy that has earned Tata less-developed markets. In this period enterprises the trust of many millions of stakeholders. of flux and increased competition, recognized quality standards are an essential tool for any business, whether based

ISO Focus September 2008 5 Guest View in the developed world or in an emerg- Alan Rosling : In 2003-2004, Tata Com- ISO Focus : As organizations ing market. munications started work on the infor- increasingly decide to apply these ISO standards are universally mation security standard (then BS 7799), two standards together, what kind of recognized as marking businesses with considering the large amount of customer synergies and benefits do you expect strong process cultures and reliable prod- data and information being managed and will follow ? uct quality. Companies from develop- transported by their systems. It became ing countries and emerging economies the first Indian telecom company to get Alan Rosling : This is an era of infor- can use these standards to their advan- this certification and, later, the first tele- mation and knowledge. Knowledge is tage as they provide a platform for their com company in the world to be certified the most critical asset for the building businesses to build basic work discipline to ISO/IEC 27001. The ISO/IEC 27001 of competitive positions in the market. and look at quality and performance certification is a reinforcement of our Use of the ISO/IEC 27000 information parameters much more seriously. The commitment to providing our custom- security and ISO/IEC 20000 IT services key is to focus on principles of quali- ers with the most secure environment management systems will thus be essen- ty and go beyond the standard, rather from where their service requirements tial business requirements for customers; than focus on mere compliance with the are managed. It is the only internation- these certifications will provide a com- requirements of these standards. al information security standard against petitive edge to companies who possess them. It will also help in simplification and tighter integration of the processes being implemented.

“ ISO/TS 16949 has played a key role in Tata Motors’ strategy on customer satisfaction, reducing customer complaints.”

ISO Focus : Both Tata Steel and Tata Motors have obtained certification to ISO 9001 and implemented ISO/TS 16949 in order to position themselves as suppliers to the global automotive industry. Can you tell us more about these initiatives?

Alan Rosling : All the major production units of Tata Steel are certified to the ISO 9001 quality management sys- The General Chemical’s soda ash plant at Green River, Wyoming. The company was acquired tem. The flat-products division has been by Tata Chemicals in January 2008. certified to ISO/TS 16949 for the last four years, supporting the growing sup- Increasingly, such standards will which organizations can seek independent ply business to global automotive Origi- be a given, just as will acceptable cost certification of their information secu- nal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). levels. Differentiation will be driven by rity management systems. Tata Motors has also obtained ISO/TS product, process and business-model Similarly, the ISO/IEC 20000 cer- 16949 certification for automotive pro- innovation that offers superior custom- tification demonstrates that all our oper- duction and relevant service parts, and er benefits. ational processes are aligned to information technology service management recommends the same to its suppliers. (ITSM) standards for delivering a con- The implementation of this standard has ISO Focus : Tata Communications, a sistent and quality service, which in turn played a key role in Tata Motors’ strat- Tata enterprise, recently obtained leads to shorter turnaround time, better egy on customer satisfaction, reducing ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 20000 service uptime and improved customer customer complaints. (IT services management) certifica- satisfaction. It also validates that system- tions for managed services and data atic controls are in place for all ITSM ISO Focus : How does Tata benefit centres. Can you tell us more about the processes. In a nutshell, the adoption from the array of International Stand- decision to implement these stand- of these standards would deliver higher ards targeted at the automotive indus- ards? value to our customers. try?

6 ISO Focus September 2008 Alan Rosling : These certifications have The United greatly helped Tata companies in con- Kingdom-based tinuously improving their quality man- Tetley Group agement systems so as to understand was acquired and fulfil the requirements of its cus- by Tata Tea in tomers proactively. It has also helped 2000. Tetley in improving the quality culture and is one of the customer focus among employees. The world’s biggest tea brands. emphasis is on prevention, rather than detection, of defects.

ISO Focus : Several Tata companies have obtained certification to ISO 14001. What is the group’s vision for they operate, thus eliminating the need for The Eight O’Clock the environment and, in your view, multiple registrations, inspections, certi- Coffee brand, best how can the portfolio of ISO stand- fications, labels; this will help do away known as America’s ards for environmental management, with conflicting requirements. Though No. 1 whole bean coffee, has been accounting and verification of car- ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard, suppliers may find it hard to conduct inter- providing great bon emissions, energy efficiency and tasting coffee for renewable sources contribute in national trade without being registered to it. With most multinationals adopt- almost 150 years. meeting the challenges of climate It was acquired by ing this standard on an extensive basis, change and sustainable develop- Tata Coffee in June the ultimate purpose of environmental ment ? 2006. management and sustainable development should be achievable. Alan Rosling : The Tata Group has always been known for its commitment to the community and society. An increasingly important manifestation of this phi- ISO Focus : The Tata losophy is the group’s focus on support- Group states that ing sustainable development. Many Tata it believes in companies are signatories to the Global returning wealth Reporting Initiative and have adopted the to the society it triple bottom line methodology while serves. What tracking their performances on financial, added value would the future social and environmental issues. standard on social responsibility, many other Tata companies would like ISO 26000, bring to promoting and to pursue this model, or the upcoming developing corporate responsibility? ISO 26000 model, to enhance the effec- “ ISO 26000 is a way tiveness of their community develop- of truly mainstreaming Alan Rosling : “ In a free enterprise, the ment practices. the concept of social community is not just another stakehold- ISO 26000 should play a critical er in the business, but is in fact the very role in addressing the business-socie- responsibility.” purpose of its existence,” said Jamsetji ty agenda worldwide, given that ISO is Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. This one of the most recognized internation- ISO 14001 has been adopted by thought is what makes the Tata Group tru- al standards bodies in the world, par- many Tata companies – Tata Commu- ly unique in its commitment to the com- ticularly from the standpoint of the pri- nications, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata munity. It is manifested in our corporate vate sector. This is important especially Consultancy Services, Tata Chemicals, structure, wherein 66 % of the equity of from the perspective of social respon- Tata Tea, Tata Autocomp Systems and our holding company, Tata Sons, is held sibility, because the vast majority of Tata BP Solar among them – to ensure by charitable trusts. Our operating com- companies around the world are still high standards on emissions, dispos- panies are also committed to supporting new to this issue. ISO 26000 is a way al of waste and conservation of natural the communities in which they operate, of truly mainstreaming the concept of resources. Recently, the group set up a and this is supported by the Tata Coun- social responsibility, using a worldwide formal structure to work on mitigating cil for Community Initiatives. standards system that most companies the dangers of climate change. Tata Steel is the first steel com- are likely to be familiar with. We believe ISO 14001 will pro- pany in the world to have adopted vide multinational organizations with a SA8000, which provides sharper direc- single environmental management sys- tion in the field of social accountability tem that can be implemented wherever and sustainable development. I am sure

ISO Focus September 2008 7 Main Focus Team effort for sustainable development

nternational Standards support the efforts of the numerous organizations Iworking towards economic development and social progress by facilitating the opening of markets and the improvement of the quality infrastructure through the transfer of technology and good business practice. With this in mind, the ISO Action Plan was designed to specifically assist ISO members from developing countries and their stakeholders to get the most of their participation in standardization. Its activities thus contribute to the greater goal of sustainable development, and ISO considers collaboration with organizations working towards this objective to be of outmost importance for a harmonized approach. Indeed, in this increasingly globalized world, development cannot be achieved in isolation. Standardization has an important contribution to make but the way forward will require the coordinated efforts of international and regional organizations, cooperation agencies, donors, ISO committees, national standards bodies, business, and, of course, developing countries themselves, who alone can tell what their needs and expectation are.

8 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

International Standards play a critical rials and a strengthened col- How role by underpinning the understanding laboration with ISO. and confidence of buyers and consumers Finally, participation by develop- International in the quality, safety and environmental ing countries in international standard- impact of goods or services. Standards ization work provides a hidden oppor- With International Standards, tunity for market penetration, but there can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in is a need to enhance this participation. developing countries can position them- ITC will continue, with ISO, to explore selves as reliable suppliers and business ways of ensuring more effective partic- Leaders from key international partners in global supply chains. Indeed, ipation in the formulation of Interna- organizations in the field of International Standards can facilitate tional Standards – with ISO enlisting trade and minimize non-tariff barriers the support of national standards bod- development and trade share through the harmonization of technical ies and ITC, that of business and indus- their views on how International requirements. try associations. Standards can help and elaborate on their active collaboration with ISO. Patricia R. Francis has been the Executive Director of the ITC since June 2006. Prior to joining the ITC, Mrs. Francis was President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). She was a member of Jamaica’s Cabinet Committee for Development, and a two-term Pres- ident of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). Mrs. Francis has received awards from the Washing- ton D.C.-based Caribbean-Central American Action Council and from the King of Spain for her leadership and support for investment and business advocacy.

Compliance with Internation- al Standards can give SMEs access to multiple and high-quality lucrative markets. The adoption of Internation- al Standards by firms also promotes Angel Gurría the transfer of technology from devel- OECD Secretary-General oped to developing countries at a rea- sonable cost since production expenses are lowered through a reduced time-to- market. Therefore, ITC welcomes the Patricia R. Francis tandards play a vital role in the adoption of International Standards by world economy. They underpin ITC Executive Director SMEs so as to make them more com- production, trading, shipping and petitive and enable them to target spe- S public safety. They simplify import and cific export markets. export procedures, boost transparency he goal of the International Trade ITC’s effort focuses on creating and reassure producers and consumers Centre (ITC) is to help develop- awareness about International Stand- in our fast-moving, complex, global Ting countries achieve sustainable ards and promoting their use, especial- market. Standards create a common lan- development through exports. To accom- ly those dealing with management sys- guage that helps governments and other plish this, exports need to contribute to tems and conformity assessment. This economic and social actors understand the well-being of all those involved in the is carried out through ITC’s technical each other, forge agreements and take production and supply of the products assistance programmes for SMEs, as advantage of the opportunities globali- and services concerned. This is when well as through tools, training mate- zation can offer on an agreed basis.

ISO Focus September 2008 9 Main Focus

Under the Organisation for Eco- tractors, have helped to facilitate trade nomic Co-operation and Development and development for half a century. (OECD) Convention, a key part of our For instance, some 60 countries partic- mission is to contribute to the expan- ipate in OECD agricultural codes and sion of multilateral world trade and to schemes, while OECD-certified seed the economic development of member used by farmers represents over two- and non-member countries. Setting and thirds of global seed trade. applying agreed International Standards In August 2005, the OECD and is fundamental to these goals. ISO signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to harmonize OECD tractor codes with ISO standards. This MoU proved such Angel Gurría came to the OECD a successful tool for harmonization of following a distinguished career in tractor safety and efficiency standards public service, including two min- at the international level, that a second isterial posts. As OECD Secretary- Memorandum was signed in 2008. This General since June 2006, he has recent MoU will allow the two organiza- reinforced the OECD’s role as a tions to deepen and broaden their work “hub” for global dialogue and and cooperation. debate on economic policy issues Pascal Lamy while pursuing internal moderniza- To be effective, standards should tion and reform. Mr. Gurría is an be rigorous, but they must also evolve WTO Director-General active participant in various inter- as new challenges emerge, such as cli- national not-for-profit bodies, mate change, which threatens human including the Population Council, welfare and is being “ mainstreamed ” based in New York, and the Center into trade and development strategies. nternational Standards are critical for Global Development based in As the OECD welcomes new members for international trade. Harmoniza- Washington D.C. He chaired the and engages with emerging economies, Ition, through the use of such stand- International Task Force on Financ- new lessons will be learned. Standards ards, helps to avoid the creation of mul- ing Water for All and continues to will insure us against the risk of distor- tiple types of technical requirements and be deeply involved in water issues. tions that shore up domestic interests or testing procedures at the national lev- Mr. Gurría holds a B.A. degree in deny people access to the benefits the el, which would have the potential of economics from UNAM (Mexico), global economy offers. impeding trade flows. What the process and an M.A. degree in economics of harmonization has brought to inter- from Leeds University (United Far from being constraints, stand- national trade is in fact a facilitation of Kingdom). He speaks Spanish, ards enable diverse countries to make trade on a massive scale. French, English, Portuguese, progress. We welcome the valuable Italian and some German. role ISO plays in helping us all build Advantages accrue both to con- a better, fairer, more sustainable, glo- sumers and producers. Consumers ben- bal economy. efit from lower prices and greater assurance of a product’s quality, safety and The OECD is known primarily reliability. Producers save costs because for its policy-related work, including they are spared the need to comply with best practices, definitions and codes, a different norms in their export mar- body of acquis which our members have kets; they benefit, too, from economies built up over the years in areas such as of scale and a reduced need to acquire investment, taxation, financial markets, different technologies to meet multi- corporate governance, export credits, “ To ensure that ple specifications. This is especially development aid and the environment. International Standards are important for developing countries ; it Our Guidelines for Multinational Enter- makes it easier for them to participate prises and Anti-bribery Convention, for fully relevant, the effective in and obtain advantages from the glo- instance, help improve standards in are- participation of developing bal trading system. as such as labour, health and the envi- countries in standardizing The World Trade Organization ronment, which increasingly condition (WTO) is not itself a “ standard-setter ”. global trade and development policy, and bodies is crucial.” Our focus is on maintaining an open, help keep globalization “ clean ”. equitable and non-discriminatory multi- Our more technical standards, lateral trading regime. That said, WTO such as the guidelines for assessing agreements, such as those dealing with seeds or testing the safety of imported technical barriers to trade and sanitary

10 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward and phytosanitary measures, explicitly The WTO has responded with technical ference on Trade and Devel- urge regulators to base their measures assistance and by supporting capacity- opment (UNCTAD) activities. on relevant International Standards as a building efforts of other institutions. WTO For instance, UNCTAD’s Trade and means of ensuring that unnecessary bar- members have also welcomed actions by Environment Review 2006 focused on riers to trade are avoided. Further sup- standardizing bodies, including ISO, to environmental requirements and market port is afforded to the extent that mem- enhance the participation of developing access for developing countries. bers are presumed to be in compliance countries in their work. I congratulate ISO Since 2004, UNCTAD’s Con- with WTO obligations if they use such and urge these efforts to continue. sultative Task Force on Environmen- norms. Members are also encouraged to tal Requirements and Market Access participate in the work of international for Developing Countries, in collabo- standardizing bodies. ration with the UN Food and Agricul- Poorly designed standards, or ture Organization (FAO), has imple- standards developed on the basis of a mented country and regional studies on narrow set of interests, can end up hurt- the developmental and market access ing trade. WTO members have agreed impact of the GLOBALGAP stand- that for greatest effectiveness, Inter- ard 1) and actively participated in the national Standards should be designed WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Meas- through processes which are inter alia ures Committee discussions on private transparent, open, impartial and based standards. At a joint UNCTAD/WTO on consensus principles. These same workshop on private standards in June principles underpin the multilateral 2007, ISO made a presentation on the trading system. new ISO 22000 2). The UNEP-UNCTAD Capaci- ty-building Task Force on Trade, Envi- ronment and Development has provid- Pascal Lamy has held the position ed extensive support to East African of Director-General of the WTO countries to develop the East African since September 2005. Mr. Lamy Organic Products Standard and associat- began his career at the French ed East African Organic Mark, the first Inspection Générale des Finances and at the Treasury, subsequently regional organic standard in the develop- becoming an advisor to the Finance Supachai ing world, which was launched in May Minister Jacques Delors, and then Panitchpakdi 2007. Similarly, the joint UNCTAD/ to Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy. FAO/IFOAM 3) International Task Force From 1985 to 1994, he was Chief UNCTAD Secretary-General on Harmonization and Equivalence in of staff for the President of the Organic Agriculture is currently final- European Commission, Jacques izing a set of essential International Delors, and G7 Sherpa. In Novem- Requirements for Organic Certifica- ber 1994, he joined the team in s enterprises in developing coun- tion Bodies, as a basis for equivalence charge of rescuing the French tries have sought to export and and future harmonization, which may bank, Credit Lyonnais, and later become part of global value chains, be useful in the revision of ISO/IEC became CEO of the bank until its A the importance of technical requirements Guide 65 4) currently underway. privatization in 1999, following and standards has increased significant- which he was European Commis- ly. Today, the trade opportunities of many The Sustainable Commodity Ini- sioner for Trade until 2004. After developing countries are as much deter- tiative of UNCTAD, the International Brussels, Pascal Lamy spent a mined by such technical standards and Institute for Sustainable Development, short sabbatical period as President industry requirements as by border meas- the International Institute for Environ- of “Notre Europe”, a think tank ures. Thus, the formulation of standards and working on European integration. requirements that are conducive to meeting the trade and development objectives 1) Manual for Good Agricultural Practice. of developing countries is of the utmost 2) ISO 22000:2005, Food safety management importance. International standards-set- systems – Requirements for any organization To ensure that International Stand- ting agencies, such as ISO, play a crucial in the food chain ards are fully relevant, the effective partic- role in achieving this task. 3) International Federation of Organic ipation of developing countries in stand- Agriculture Movements ardizing bodies is crucial. In this way, The impact of standards and tech- 4) ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996, General International Standards can help facilitate nical requirements on development and requirements for bodies operating product trade and dissemination of new technolo- market access has also moved to the certification systems, under revision as ISO/ gies and good practices to all countries. forefront of the United Nations Con- IEC 17065.

ISO Focus September 2008 11 Main Focus ment and Development and AIDEnviron- markets globally. These standards can ment aims at maximizing the sustain- serve both as recognition of quality able development impact of voluntary and as benchmarks to support capac- sustainability initiatives and standards, ity building and management training and reviews the effectiveness of imple- worldwide. As we explore closer col- mentation and the practicability of sus- laboration between UNEP and ISO, we tainability claims. will pay special attention to link our networks and efforts to advance man- UNCTAD is also leading a mul- agement or soft technology support ti-agency effort to develop a new data- and capacity building among manag- base on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) with ers and employees from organizations participation from FAO, the Internation- in developing countries. This is where al Monetary Fund (IMF), ITC, OECD, national standards bodies and collab- UNIDO, the World Bank and WTO. The orative centres associated with UNEP work covers the definition, classifica- can fruitfully cooperate and jointly tion, collection and eventual quantifi- address new developments in, for exam- cation of NTBs. ple, life cycle management, greening supply chains, sustainable procurement, greenhouse gas measurement Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi began Achim Steiner and related reporting. his four-year term as Secretary- General of UNCTAD in September UNEP Executive Director In UNEP, we are aware that stand- 2005, following his appointment by ards can become outdated, and there- the UN General Assembly. He pre- fore need regular revision and updating viously served as Director-General to move along with the needs of our of the World Trade Organization he United Nations Environment times. We welcome playing a part in and as Thailand’s Deputy Prime Programme (UNEP) works with Minister and Minister of Com- Tgovernments and a range of non- merce. As Deputy Prime Minister, governmental stakeholder organiza- he was in charge of the country’s tions, including business and industry, Achim Steiner was unanimously economic and trade policy-making, to advance progress towards resource elected Executive Director of the signing the Uruguay Round Agree- efficient and climate neutral societies United Nations Environment ment in 1994 and contributing to globally. This involves a focus on the Programme (UNEP) in March 2006 the formulation of regional balance between appropriate regulations for a four-year term, effective in agreements. Dr. Supachai received and voluntary action. June 2006. Before joining UNEP, his Masters in econometrics, devel- he served as Director General of opment planning, and his Ph.D. in The role of voluntary standards the World Conservation Union economic planning and development in bringing about the required shift to (IUCN) from 2001 to 2006. His from Erasmus University in sustainable markets is key. I welcome professional career has included Rotterdam. standards that do not stifle innovation assignments with governmental, and hold back early movers, but that non-governmental and international inspire and reflect internationally rec- organizations in different parts of ognized principles and norms. Exam- As ISO moves into new areas of the world. He has worked both at ples are the environmental principles standardization, UNCTAD remains a the grassroots level and at the high- contained in our international environ- partner in helping to maximize the devel- est levels of international policy- mental conventions, the 10 principles opment impact of such standards. Since making to address the interface of the UN Global Compact and the between environmental sustainabil- 2005, UNCTAD has been an active con- management reporting principles of ity, social equity and economic tributor within the ISO Working Group the Global Reporting Initiative. These development. Mr. Steiner’s educa- on Social Responsibility. Here, UNCTAD are principles we will continue to pro- tional background includes a BA has worked to ensure the usefulness of mote in our work on, for example, sus- from the University of Oxford as ISO 26000 to organizations and stake- tainable consumption and production well as an MA from the University holders in developing countries. UNCTAD (SCP), following up on the mandate of of London. He serves on a number looks forward to further intensifying and the 2002 World Summit on Sustain- of international advisory boards, broadening its collaboration with ISO, able Development. including the China Council for so as to better ensure that standards and International Cooperation on technical requirements become tools, I also welcome standards that Environment and Development rather than obstacles, in the develop- provide a foundation to facilitate speed- (CCICED). ment process. ier access of goods and services from developing countries to sustainable

12 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward this, relying on our scientific networks UNIDO is conscious that a coun- ities, harmonizing national and ongoing assessment of the state of try’s degree of involvement with stand- standards with ISO standards our environment via, for example, the ardization and conformity assessment and assisting businesses, governments Global Environment Outlook process. (for example, number of nationally and consumers in implementing ISO In its work to promote essential practic- adopted standards, enterprises certi- standards. UNIDO is also committed es such as responsible chemicals man- fied, laboratories accredited, etc.) tends to supporting the ISO Action Plan for agement and life cycle management, to be reflected in its general level of Developing Countries. UNEP is also ready to work with the economic and industrial development. standards community and training insti- This has a bearing on the efficiency of tutions to advance management tech- its economy and its ability to produce nology support and capacity building and trade. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella has on a scale that reflects the magnitude been the Director-General of The developing world recogniz- UNIDO since December 2005. and scale of today’s challenges. es that delays in adopting processes for He is a former Minister of Trade, the harmonization of standards and for Industry and State Enterprises of continuously improving quality, stand- the Republic of Sierra Leone. With ardization, metrology and conformi- over 20 years’ experience in inter- ty assessment will hinder its potential national development, he has pro- to fully enjoy the advantages of global vided leadership for various initia- trade, and jeopardize its efforts towards tives and managed high-level development, employment creation and consultations and negotiations with poverty reduction. member states on global development issues. He served as Director UNIDO thus offers support to of the Africa and LDCs Regional small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Bureau and UNIDO Representative to comply with International Standards and Director of the first UNIDO and regulations and overcome techni- Regional Office in Nigeria. cal barriers to trade or sanitary and phy- Dr. Yumkella holds a Ph.D. in tosanitary measures. Numerous national agricultural economics from the standards bodies (NSBs), laboratories University of Illinois, USA, an and conformity assessment bodies in M.Sc. in agricultural economics developing countries benefit from from Cornell University, USA, and UNIDO’s capacity-building and tech- a B.Sc. Division One (Cum Laude) in general agriculture from Njala nical assistance services. University College, Sierra Leone. Ideally, NSBs should actively He has authored and co-authored participate as full members in inter- several publications. national standards organizations and their development work. However, they often lack the financial resources UNIDO’s recent involvement in and technical experts needed for such ISO-led activities encompassed food Kandeh K. Yumkella investment – issues that UNIDO aims safety and traceability standards, social to address through its programmes and responsibility and energy management, UNIDO Director-General activities. the joint development and publication UNIDO’s holistic trade capac- of Fast forward – National Standards ity-building approach is characterized Bodies in Developing Countries and by strong partnerships with internation- training material for food safety man- he majority of developing coun- al organizations and technical bodies. agement (ISO 22000) – examples of how tries are unable to meaningfully In this spirit, a UNIDO/ISO Memo- the synergy between the leading interna- participate in the profitable glo- T randum of Understanding (MoU) was tional standards development organiza- bal trade of manufactured goods. The signed in 2003 to jointly assist devel- tion, ISO, and the UN agency mandate United Nations Industrial Develop- oping countries and emerging econo- to foster sustainable industrial development Organization (UNIDO) aims to mies to enhance industrial development ment is effective and vibrant. address this inequality by helping devel- and participate in world trade through oping countries attract investments, As Chairman of UN-Energy, I am standardization. develop their supply capacity, ensure working towards combining efforts to compliance with market requirements Following up, UNIDO has sup- combat climate change, promote ener- and standards, and gain access to export ported numerous NSBs in becoming ISO gy efficiency and renewable sources of markets, while protecting consumers members, increasing their participation energy. With this aim, UNIDO turned to and the environment. in international standardization activ- the implementation of energy efficiency

ISO Focus September 2008 13 Main Focus and management systems in developing dictable. Bringing coherence and pre- countries, with a view to also enhance dictability to standards setting – that is, their participation in the standardiza- the standardization of standards – should tion process. help ensure that they facilitate rather than obstruct international trade. Following a joint initiative from UNIDO and the Standardization Admin- The most widely recognized ISO istration of China (SAC), ISO established standards – on quality management (ISO a new project committee (ISO/PC 242, 9000) and environmental management Energy management) to develop a manage- (ISO 14000) – can support worldwide ment system standard for energy (MSE). efforts to bring our societies towards UNIDO will carry out regional studies sustainable consumption and produc- to identify opportunities and barriers tion patterns. The two series are now associated with its adoption. UNIDO implemented by over a million organ- is also working with ISO to organize the izations in 170 countries. These stand- breakout session on standards for ener- ards are consensus-based International gy efficiency, water, climate change, and Standards where all stakeholders are their management, which will be held in represented and developing countries conjunction with the 42nd meeting of the participate in their formulation. ISO Committee on developing country Sha Zukang Today, China has the largest matters (ISO/DEVCO). number of ISO 9001-certified organi- To benefit from the current glo- Under-Secretary-General for zations and comes second after Japan balized market economy, developing coun- Economic and Social Affairs, in ISO 14001 certifications. Organiza- tries must be able to achieve international United Nations tions have also acquired certification levels of quality and safety by meeting a in many other developing countries, wide range of standards, regulations, tests including Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, and certification requirements. It is imper- India, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa ative to strengthen their institutional and he United Nations Department and United Arab Emirates. human capabilities in quality, standardi- of Economic and Social Affairs The forthcoming publication of zation and conformity assessment, and to (DESA), which I head, supports the social responsibility standard (ISO participate more actively in related inter- T the follow-up to the major UN summits 26000) in 2010, could provide impor- national activities. This goal is at the heart and conferences, including the Rio Con- tant guidance for corporations operat- of UNIDO’s actions and its partnership ference and the World Summit on Sus- ing in the global economy. We hope with ISO and its members. tainable Development. The recent review that it will bring coherence to what is and assessment of progress on industrial a crowded field of initiatives for corpo- development by the UN Commission on rate social responsibility, support sus- Sustainable Development (CSD) high- tainable global supply chains, reflect lighted the importance of standardiza- a consensus among all stakeholders, tion for developing countries as they and make adequate provision to assist undertake policies and measures to pro- developing countries with implementa- mote industrial development. Interna- tion of the standard. The work on sus- Sha Zukang became the United tional consensus-based standards, of the tainable consumption and production Nations Under-Secretary-General type produced by ISO, can be valuable in my Department is very much con- heading the Department of Eco- tools to support that work, for example, cerned with these issues. nomic and Social Affairs (DESA) in the area of energy and environmen- in July 2007. He also chairs the tal management. The CSD also empha- I commend ISO on its important United Nations Executive Commit- sized the need to enhance capacity in work in support of global economic inte- tee on Economic and Social developing countries for developing, gration and improved corporate environ- Affairs. Prior to joining the United implementing and enforcing regula- mental and social governance. I encour- Nations, Mr. Sha held a number of tions, codes and standards. age continued cooperation between ISO posts in the diplomatic service of and the UN system to ensure appropriate the People’s Republic of China The number of private standards participation of developing countries in with portfolios covering a range of has been increasing rapidly; thousands the consensus-building process on new fields, including economic and exist in the agro-food sector alone. Small standards and to provide capacity-build- social affairs, human rights and producers find it challenging to keep ing for implementation. humanitarian affairs, politics and track, implement and finance compli- security. He is a graduate of ance with these new standards. ISO’s Nanjing University, China. standards have the virtue of being transparent, participatory, inclusive and pre-

14 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

Developing SLBS countries speak up Success and challenges In the following series of of a small island interviews, four ISO members from developing countries tell us economy about their activities and the successes and the challenges Dr. Darius Gabriel, they encounter in their work. Director, SLBS Through their views on how ISO Focus : As a small island econ- standardization can help, we omy, can you tell us more about the learn about the needs and role of SLBS in Saint Lucia? How does expectations of these developing SLBS reach out to, and collaborate countries. with industry, government and other Dr. Darius Gabriel, Director, SLBS. stakeholders ? What are the advantages for SLBS of being a full ISO member? strengthen and modernize its national What kind of regional cooperation is quality infrastructure. relevant for small island economies in SLBS plays the lead role in the matters of standardization ? development and management of Saint Lucia’s quality infrastructure. SLBS’s work SLBS : Saint Lucia’s economic future programmes are central to the facilitation lies in its ability to compete meaning- of trade and to local industry’s drive toward fully in ever-expanding regional and glo- quality and efficiency. SLBS is also leading bal markets. The quality of its products the island’s push to become fully metric and services must therefore be on par by 2009, an important consideration for with those of other countries or even trade with the European Union. surpass them. There is, therefore, an Over the years, SLBS has estab- increasing demand for Saint Lucia to lished a good rapport with its partners. With regard to industry, one of its most successful initiatives is the Food Safety Training Programme, which is offered The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) was established to all enterprises and persons producing through the Saint Lucia Standards Act No. 14 of 1990. It began food for the domestic market. operations formally in April 1991 and is governed by a 15-member SLBS collaborates with govern- Standards Council which answers to the Minister with ment ministries and agencies by providing them with standardization exper- responsibility for standards matters. tise. An outstanding example of this The Standards Act empowers SLBS to develop and promote is the Tourism Certification Scheme, standards and codes of practice for products and services in a joint venture between SLBS and the order to ensure industrial efficiency and to enhance the economy Ministry of Tourism, whose aim is to of Saint Lucia. Additionally, SLBS is mandated to promote the improve the quality of smaller tourism accommodation such as guesthouses health and safety of the consumer and to safeguard the and inns. SLBS also reaches out to the environment. SLBS also administers the Metrology Act No. 17 of Saint Lucian consumer via public serv- 2000, which gives the Bureau responsibility for legal metrology, ice announcements and the like, inform- and establishes it as the national metrology institute. ing the consumer of the importance of SLBS’s vision is to be a model of excellence in the provision of labels and safety information. As a full member of ISO, SLBS products and services in the areas of quality, standardization and enjoys a number of benefits, the most metrology. Its quality policy is a reflection of this vision and the important of which is its unfettered access institution is now in the process of implementing a quality to International Standards. For example, management system based on the ISO 9001 standard. SLBS’s standardization offerings are greatly enhanced by its ability to sell ISO standards. The adoption of ISO

ISO Focus September 2008 15 Main Focus standards as national standards and their use for research purposes are also facil- KAZMEMST itated. Additionally, SLBS benefits from training provided by ISO and enjoys vot- ing rights, which means significant par- Kazakhstan’s ticipation in international standardiza- commitment tion activities. SLBS is kept abreast of all the current trends in international to build a standardization as well as ISO’s latest solid technical products and services. regulation system

Gabit Mukhambetov, Chairman, KAZMEMST

ISO Focus : How does KAZMEMST organize and promote its activities in Mr. G. Mukhambetov, Chairman of KAZMEMST. order to involve government, industry and other stakeholders in the development and take-up of international free movement of goods. This step in the standards? legislative base of Kazakhstan demonstrates once more that the country is KAZMEMST: The law on “ Technical actively carrying out reforms towards SLBS’s headquarters in Bisee, Castries, regulation ” of the Republic of Kazakhstan accession to the WTO and that Kaza- Saint Lucia. has been in force since May 2005. This khstan aspires to take a deserving place law defines the share of state partici- in the world’s economy. For small island economies such pation in market regulation within the The reform of the technical reg- as Saint Lucia, regional cooperation in national economy. Radical reform has ulation system and its alignment with standardization is critical in terms of the begun on the current regulatory system, similar systems from industrially-devel- harmonization of standards, the sharing of which is an effective tool in the pro- oped countries is the outcome of a mes- information and expertise and the reduc- tection of human rights in all spheres sage from the President of the Republic tion of training costs. The harmonization of life, including protection of health, of Kazakhstan where he declared that of standards in particular is vital for facil- work and environment. Kazakhstan should be among the top 50 itating regional trade. In that regard, the At the end of 2006, amendments competitive countries of the world ; stem- CARICOM Regional Organisation for were made to 33 laws in order to bring ming also from a strategy for develop- Standards and Quality (CROSQ) was them into conformity with the law on ment of industrial innovation covering created by the Caribbean Community technical regulation under which func- the period up to 2015, as well as from (CARICOM) member states to, among tions of the government, state bodies and the targeted entry of Kazakhstan into the other things, “harmonise and implement market players are delimited and deter- WTO. standards, to facilitate international com- mined. Some laws also contain minimum In the framework of the WTO petitiveness, and to increase regional and safety requirements for the subjects to acceptance process, focus is currently international trade for the sustainable which they apply. on the implementation of international production of goods and services in the In 2007, the laws on “ Safety of quality standards. Quality is the basic CARICOM Single Market and Economy” food ”, “ Safety of chemical products ”, criterion of an economic system’s effi- (CROSQ’s Mandate, www.crosq.org). “ Safety of toys ” and “ Safety of machines ciency. This criterion is objective and CROSQ and similar regional standardiza- and equipment ” were adopted. applied to all types of activity, and there- tion initiatives are vital to the survival of A work plan on the development fore recognized everywhere. The number small developing economies in an increas- of technical regulation has been approved of enterprises which have implemented ingly difficult global marketplace. by the government, under which more a quality management system in accord- than 100 technical regulations will be ance with ISO International Standards “SLBS’s work programmes developed by the end of 2009. The gov- has increased, with over more than 1 000 ernment has already approved a number enterprises to date. are central to the of technical regulations to date. To encourage this activity and the facilitation of trade and One of the requirements for tech- improvement of production quality, Pres- to the local industry’s nical regulations is their maximum har- ident N. Nazarbayev of the Republic of monization with international require- Kazakhstan has established annual pres- drive toward quality and ments and legislation of economically- idential contests “ For achievements in efficiency.” developed countries in order to facilitate the sphere of quality ”, and the republi- 16 ISO Focus September 2008 The Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST) carries out its activities in accordance with the the way forward Republic of Kazakhstan’s objectives for economic reform and the construction of a democratic, lawful state and civil society. An international train- The primary goals of KAZMEMST are the development and ing seminar for Central Asia on the ISO 14000 series, Environmental acceptance of appropriate decisions on regulation for the management systems, is scheduled to be movement of goods without technical barriers, assuring safety of held jointly by KAZMEMST and ISO products and services for the market of the Republic of in November 2008. Kazakhstan and their free movement to consumers on the basis of consensus between manufacturers, consumers and stakeholders. “ One of the requirements The Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by KAZMEMST, has been for technical regulations a member of ISO since 1994. KAZMEMST is responsible for the is their maximum realization of state policy in the field of technical regulation and harmonization with maintenance of uniform measurement, for which it formulates the related state systems. international requirements to facilitate free movement KAZMEMST’s structure comprises five departments on technical regulation and maintenance of uniform measurement, plus three of goods.” subordinate entities, namely : • Kazakhstan Institute of Metrology ; • Kazakhstan Institute of Standardization ; KAZMEMST headquarters. • National accreditation body. Currently, with a view to both reforming the national system of technical rules and to accession of the country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), work is being carried out on the development of technical and normative legislation in order to harmonize legislative and normative bases with international requirements and standards as much as possible.

can competition and exhibition “ Altyn sapa ” (golden quality). Further, to stim- ulate the implementation of effective management by organizations, one of the criteria of winning public procurement contracts is that the supplier has a certified management system. For enterprises in the agro-industrial sector and small businesses certified in accordance with the Internation- al Standard ISO 14001, the cost of implementation and certification of the management systems is subsidized by a reducing coefficient of 0,75 towards the pay- ment for emissions into the environment. KAZMEMST participates in a number of ISO technical committees. The plenary session of ISO/TC 193, Nat- ural gas, is to be held in Astana in Sep- tember 2008. KAZMEMST has established an agreement with the American Society on Testing of Materials (ASTM) in order to carry out work on harmonization of standards in the oil and gas sector.

ISO Focus September 2008 17 Main Focus

accepted and used worldwide to increase JISM retailers and consumers confidence. This issue was the driving force for JISM’s decision to host a regional How Jordan workshop on food safety management is fostering systems and ISO 22000 in April 2008 to raise awareness among all types of organ- awareness to izations in the food chain, from feed pro- build a stronger ducers to food traders. Social responsibility is sometimes Arab region regarded with discomfort or even some reluctance by businesses, when its associated activities are not directly perceived Dr. Yaseen Khayyat, Director as contributing to returns. In light of this, General, JISM a two-day training course on social responsibility was held in October 2007. ISO Focus : Over the past few years, The aim was to enhance the participa- JISM has co-organized with ISO a tion of developing countries in the Arab number of training workshops in region in the development of the Inter- Jordan on a wide range of standards. national Standard on social responsibil- Can you elaborate further on these ity (ISO 26000), especially that of rep- initiatives? What has been the impact Dr. Yaseen Khayyat, Director General, JISM resentatives of government agencies, and benefit of these workshops in labour associations, non-profit organi- Jordan and for the region? Cosmetics, Assembly of Global Visions, zations, etc. together with an exhibition to display local With the astonishing expansion of JISM : Standardization is the base for and international cosmetic market prod- industrialization and the rapid growth of the legislative structure and is a mech- ucts, as well as relevant raw materials. trade throughout the world, the Arab world anism for transferring the know-how Food safety is essential to pro- is becoming increasingly conscious the on the latest technologies to economic tect consumers’ health, thus measures significance of conformity assessment. actors, specifically the industrial sec- are needed to control hazards all along Work stemming from this realization is tor. In light of these potential benefits, the food chain. The ISO 22000 manage- progressing – albeit at different rates JISM considers part of its mission to ment standard published in 2005 is already around Arab countries, dependent on the spread the word throughout the region and strive to decrease the knowledge gap in this area. With this goal, JISM has hosted several regional ISO work- The success of today’s business lies in being competitive along shops, meetings and training courses the entire supply chain. This demands innovation, modern over the past few years in cooperation technology, management practices and price competitiveness, but with the ISO Committee on developing most importantly it requires the fulfilment of regulatory and market country matters (ISO/DEVCO). requirements according to state-of-the-art standards. In the same vein, and as the cosmetics industry in Jordan is making rap- Even when all these demands and requirements are met, this id progress, JISM hosted the 8th plena- alone does not necessarily lead to a situation where the national ry meeting of ISO technical committee industry becomes globally competitive in an open trading system, ISO/TC 217, Cosmetics, and the paral- as the laying of the foundations of an appropriate national quality lel meetings of its working groups in infrastructure is an absolute necessity for businesses. Amman in June 2008. The meeting was attended by 26 participating members With this consideration in mind, the Jordan Institution for and 28 observers from developed and Standards and Metrology (JISM), together with other national developing countries. One-hundred organizations, has the responsibility, individually and collectively, experts from 54 countries around the for providing the country with a quality infrastructure and for world discussed draft standards on micro- offering services for the development and implementation of both biological standards and limits, analyti- a standardization and a conformity assessment system. These will cal methods of nitrosamines, good man- play a vital role in sustaining Jordan’s economic growth and ufacturing practices, and methods to assess efficacy of photo protection pro- prosperity, and thus help to provide more opportunities for vided by sun-protection products. employment. Taking full advantage of this unique event, JISM held the Scientific Day for

18 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

CDNQ Why developing countries shouldn’t hesitate : Cameroon JISM’s new building. on the benefits of level of technological and scientific devel- standards opment, among other factors. Hence, JISM was honoured to host the ISO Regional workshop on Con- Charles Booto A. Ngon, Head of formity Assessment for sustainable devel- CDNQ opment and trade that took place in April 2006 to shed light on the latest develop- ISO Focus : CDNQ has recently ments in the CASCO tool box, and pro- upgraded its member status. What vide a platform for discussing the require- are the reasons behind this decision, Charles Booto A. Ngon, Head of CDNQ. ments of several CASCO standards and and what benefits does CDNQ expect guides with experts. from this change? In your view, what The future of our national indus- are the advantages for developing try and economy depends to a great countries of participating in standard- The Department of degree on continued investment and par- ization? Standardization and Quality ticipation in international standardiza- (CDNQ) comes under the tion activities, for which national, region- CDNQ: Standards, as they progressive- Ministry of Industry, Mines al and international support is always ly come into being, remain at the heart welcome. Jordan, represented by JISM of the world’s industrial and trade sys- and Technological and other related bodies, endeavours to tem. In the current international con- Development of the Republic spread awareness of the vital issues dis- text, which is constantly changing as of Cameroon. Its structure cussed in the Arab region, without neglect- a result of globalization, they certain- includes the Standards and ing the national level, as one must always ly underpin it. Certification Unit. practise what one preaches. Cameroon recently upgraded No one country can hope to achieve Ministry building in Yaoundé, Cameroon, much in the absence of regional and inter- housing the CDNQ offices. its ISO membership status national cooperation and mutual support, from correspondent member Jordan therefore stands to gain much to full member, effective July strength from the development of coun- 2008. tries in the region. JISM will thus continue to adhere to its mission on the national, regional and international levels, and advocate regional cooperation and enlight- enment, to the benefit and betterment of the countries of the region, and, on a larg- er scale, of the world community.

“ The future of our national industry and economy depends to a great degree on continued investment and participation in international standardization activities.”

ISO Focus September 2008 19 Main Focus

In fact, with the gradual elimi- many partners, is to be praised. Indeed, nation of technical barriers to trade, through the ISO Committee on devel- marked by the lifting of tariff barriers oping country matters (DEVCO), ISO and of non-reciprocal trade preferenc- continually encourages initiatives from es, standards will play an increasingly developing countries to promote the important part in trade. It is therefore practice of standardization. The contri- essential that the policies and strategies bution of other partners, via bilateral of developing countries take them into cooperation mechanisms, would help account, since it is through the strict to consolidate this very encouraging and systematic application of standards approach, given the shared interest for that industry will advance and confer building a more equitable world. credibility on goods, bringing new oppor- Among issues of concern, it tunities on international markets. should be noted that the many studies The signing of the World Trade carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization agreements on the liber- Organization of the United Nations, the alization of trade and their ratification United Nations Industrial Development by various countries, as well as the Organization and others, relating to imminent entry into force of the Eco- evaluation of current standardization nomic Partnership Agreements (EPA) policies and strategies in developing between the European union and cer- countries, reveal that their implemen- tain African, Caribbean and Pacific tation is hindered by a number of con- countries (ACP), lay the ground for the straints. Of these, the most significant removal of technical barriers to trade, are : leading to the opening of markets. • inadequacy of the regulatory and Against this backdrop, concerns institutional framework set to gov- about the health and safety of consum- ern standardization activities ; ers, as well as about the protection of • weakness of the capacities of the the environment, will become more actors from public agencies, the pri- acute. Further, the competitiveness of vate sector and civil society alike ; local businesses, in comparison with multinationals that are technically and • insufficiency of funding allocated to financially stronger and thus able to standards development and distribu- offer goods of much greater quality, tion activities ; will unquestionably challenge the young • lack of metrology and quality con- industries of these countries. trol infrastructure and tools. It goes without saying that a pre- “ It is essential that the requisite of any cooperative actions developed with a view to removing these policies and strategies of constraints is awareness of world lead- developing countries take ers at the highest level, as well as of the standards into account.” public at large, if success is to be guar- anteed – as has often been stressed by ISO’s Secretary-General, Alan Bryden, Faced with this economic glo- in his communications to the world com- balization, the survival or the develop- munity involved in standardization ment of businesses in the ACP coun- issues. tries will depend not only on their capac- This is our vision for the future ity to face funding issues, but also on of standardization in developing coun- their ability to conform to internation- tries. al productivity and quality standards. This new factor amply illustrates the level of importance that standardization must attain in these countries which, for the international community in turn, infers a duty to undertake specific actions that take their economic and social realities into account. In this respect, the action of ISO and, through the organization, of its

20 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

ards organizations, it is clear that ISO in September 2007. The Action Roadmap to has a crucial role to play in assisting its Plan is executed by the Devel- members to implement good practices opment and Training Services (DEVT) development – in standardization and to participate in unit of the ISO Central Secretariat (ISO/ the ISO Action the process as actively as possible. This CS) and its monitoring is carried out applies especially to those from develop- by the ISO Committee on developing Plan ing countries, which account for three- country matters (DEVCO). quarters of ISO’s 157 members and on The Action Plan is implement- whom the impacts of standardization ed through various sources of funding, could be critical. either through member contributions to by Beer Budoo, Director, the Funds-in-trust, the ISO/DIN Endow- Development and Training ment 1) and through funding agreements Taking the leap forward Services, ISO Central with national development agencies, Secretariat ISO’s assistance to developing such as SIDA (Sweden), SECO (Swit- countries took a new turn in 2003 when zerland), NORAD (Norway), and the here is increasing realization a structured approach was put in place Finnish government. among policy makers in devel- to survey the needs of these countries Toping countries that internation- in order to formulate a focused plan of “ The ISO Action Plan al trade, which contributes to econom- action. Aligned with the ISO Strategic ic growth and alleviation of poverty, is Plan 2005-2010, the ISO Action Plan is in its fourth year of underpinned by the adoption and appli- for developing countries 2005-2010 sets implementation and well cation of standards in all spheres of eco- the direction for the support to be pro- on track.” nomic activity. The importance of Inter- vided to members in developing coun- national Standards is further stressed in tries. The Action Plan defines five key Over the years, a significant the rules of the World Trade Organiza- objectives, namely to raise awareness, expansion of the activities has taken place tion (WTO), especially the agreement build capacity, foster regional coop- thanks to a considerable increase in the on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), eration, develop expertise in informa- donor funding obtained. It is quite note- which encourages its 153 members to tion and communication technologies worthy that donor funds have increased use, as far as possible, such standards (ICT) and to enhance the participation from 560 000 Swiss francs in 2005 to as a basis for mandatory technical reg- of developing countries in ISO techni- 1,7 million Swiss francs in 2007. This ulations. Several reasons account for cal work. bears testimony to the fact that devel- this shift in the strategic importance of Endorsed by the ISO Council in oping country needs rank highly in the International Standards, among which September 2004, the ISO Action Plan priorities of ISO’s partners and also are the: is in its fourth year of implementation and well on track, as the ISO General points to the need for shifting the scale • globalization of trade in products Assembly noted with satisfaction during in terms of volume of assistance to be and services; its last meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, delivered by DEVT. While around 60 • delocalization of procurement and awareness seminars/workshops and investment; training courses were held in 2006 and 2007 each, this figure exceeds 85 for • deregulation of public services; 2008. It may also be noted that • response to climate change and ener- more than 3 000 participants gy efficiency; benefited from the above activi- • public demand for consumer and ties in 2007. environmental protection and security; Stepping stones for • need for international solidarity to face terrorism, epidemics and natu- developing countries ral disasters; A short description of the • deployment of new technologies and activities carried out under the innovation. Action Plan can be found below against each of the five objectives In addition, the international defined in the plan. These activities standardization scene is being increas- are selected from submissions made ingly influenced by other players such by developing countries in accordance as sectoral and retailer standardizers and by emerging issues like fair and ethical trade or private versus public standards. 1) See interview on DIN Endowment As one of the main international stand- page 30.

Action Plan for dev.countries 2005-2010.i ndd 1 ISO Focus September 2008 21

01.09.2008 14:20:14 Main Focus with their current priorities and needs, roles that ISO members and delegated Commission (COPANT) and the Eco- meaning that the Action Plan responds organizations play in the process. It also nomic and Monetary Community in Cen- to real needs. gives an introduction to the e-services tral Africa (CEMAC) respectively. developed by ISO in support of inter- Improving awareness national standardization. Developing communication and Awareness raising on the adop- IT tools expertise Promoting regional cooperation tion and application of standards is con- Assistance and training is pro- sidered a fundamental step for many Experience has shown that region- vided in the acquisition, implementa- developing countries. This need is felt al and subregional cooperation in stand- tion and maintenance of information and not only by national standards bodies ardization and related matters is one of communication technologies (ICT). The (staff, committee and council mem- the most effective channels for shar- expertise in the use of ICT tools devel- bers, parent ministry, etc.) but also ing experience, organizing training and oped by ISO in support of the standards by stakeholders (industry, consumers, optimizing participation in internation- development and dissemination pro- NGOs, etc.). al standardization. cesses is strongly encouraged to en- Already, awareness workshops able national standards bodies to engage and seminars are being delivered in the fully in ISO’s technical work. areas of ISO 22000 on food safety, ISO “Activities are selected An internal ISO/CS project group 14040 on life cycle assessment, ISO from submissions made has also identified four ICT packages to 14064 on greenhouse gases, the future by developing countries be deployed in countries having differ- ISO 26000 standard on social responsi- ent levels of development in this area. bility, ISO 27001 on information secu- in accordance with their This will be effected through a project rity management systems and in con- current priorities and due to be implemented as from 2009, formity assessment. New areas will be thus further increasing the assistance added according to demands. needs.” to developing countries. Joint activities between DEVCO and the ISO Committee on consum- So far, ISO has established for- Increasing participation er policy (COPOLCO) led to the suc- mal relations with seven regional stand- cessful design and delivery of the first ards organizations/associations. The fifth objective is to support train-the-trainer workshop on consumer Furthermore, at its meeting in the involvement of developing coun- participation in Accra (Ghana) in Feb- March 2008, the ISO Council approved tries in the technical work performed ruary 2008; and the roll-out of a new that ISO should collaborate informal- by ISO’s technical committees, subcom- distance-learning tool promoting under- ly in the field of technical assistance mittees and working groups. By partic- standing of the role consumers can play (training, awareness-raising, capaci- ipating at these three levels, develop- in standardization. ty-building) with subregional organi- ing countries ensure that their interests zations involved in standardization or are taken into account and, in so doing, Capacity-building standards-related activities. These rela- contribute to strengthening ISO’s glo- tions should focus on those subregion- bal relevance. The next step after raising aware- al organizations connected to region- Sponsorships continued to be ness of the importance of standards is al economic agreements and having at provided to delegates from developing developing the capacity of ISO mem- least 50 % of their members being ISO countries to participate in ISO techni- bers in developing countries to partic- members. cal committee meetings 3) according to ipate more effectively in ISO’s techni- A number of events were already cal work. run jointly with regional/subregional The main deliverables are work- organizations, such as the Asian Con- shops on “good standardization prac- sultative Committee on Standards and About the author tice” and on “enhanced participation in Quality (ACCSQ), the Common Mar- Beer Budoo is international standardization”. The lat- ket for Eastern and Southern Africa Director of ter gives an overview of ISO’s structure (COMESA), the Standardization Organ- Development and major policy issues. It covers the ization for the Cooperation Council for and Training process of producing an Internation- the Arab States of the Gulf (GSO), the Services al Standard and discusses the various Organization of American States (OAS), (DEVT) at the and the West African Economic and ISO Central Monetary Union (UEMOA). Besides, 2) See article on page 36. Secretariat in ISO also conducted events for groups Geneva, Swit- 3) Examples include ISO/TC 34 (food), of countries forming part of the South- ISO/TC 37 (terminology), ISO/TC zerland. He is 71 (concrete), ISO/TC 197 (hydrogen ern African Development Community also Secretary 2 ) technologies), ISO/TC 207 (environmental (SADC) , the East African Communi- of the ISO Committee on developing management), ISO/TC 223 (societal security). ty (EAC), the Pan American Standards country matters (DEVCO).

22 ISO Focus September 2008 Fast forward – ISO’s and UNIDO’s new publication will assist developing and transition economies by Roger Frost, Manager, Communication Services, ISO Central Secretariat the way forward

ISO and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) selection criteria defined by have just published a new book to help developing countries and the DEVCO Chair’s Advisory economies in transition develop the optimal organization and use of a Group. Sponsorships were also specif- national standardization infrastructure as a lever for their economic ically provided to encourage develop- development, trading capacity and a support for consumer, social and ing country members to participate in environmental protection. the work of the new project committee Fast forward – National Standards Bodies in Developing Countries is (ISO/PC 242) to develop a standard on intended as a user-friendly introduction and practical tool for people energy management. Further, more than who are tasked with the establishment, upgrading and management of 50 experts from developing countries a national standards body (NSB) in a developing country or transition were sponsored to attend the sixth ple- economy. nary meeting of the Working Group on Social Responsibility held in Santiago The book explains the role of standardization in industrial development, (Chile) in August-September 2008. trade facilitation and improving access to global markets. It describes how standardization is interlinked with the disciplines of metrology and conformity assessment. It also describes how the three form The next essential building blocks for developing a quality infrastructure Action that enables sustainable development, can lead to full participation in international trade and satisfies the technical Plan requirements of the multilateral trading system. Other topics Donor covered include: funding is already • the World Trade Organization and its influence on available to under- standardization ; take the same con- sultation process • a closer look at standards ; for the formulation • international, regional and national standard bodies ; of the 2011-2015 • activities and structure of an NSB ; ISO Action Plan for • information, sales and promotion ; developing countries. The process will be • international and regional relations. carried out in parallel The book is an initiative of the long-standing and with the preparations of the 2011-2015 ISO successful partnership between ISO and UNIDO. It is the NSBs in Developing countri es 2008.indd 1 collective work of some 30 recognized experts in the field. ISO is Strategic Plan. the world’s largest producer of voluntary International Standards. Its 10.07.2008 10:41:56 membership comprises a network of 157 national standards bodies of which the majority are in developing countries. In particular, the book “ Raising awareness on the distils the experience of the ISO Committee on developing country matters (ISO/DEVCO). adoption and application of UNIDO is the UN agency which promotes poverty reduction and standards is considered a improvements in the quality of life of people in developing countries as fundamental step for many well as countries with economies in transition through sustainable developing countries.” industrial development. It has over 40 years experience in setting up and upgrading standards and conformity assessment infrastructure worldwide. Considerable information is already available on the needs and expec- Explaining the background to the book, UNIDO Director-General Kandeh tations of developing countries and it is K. Yumkella and ISO Secretary-General Alan Bryden point out in its hoped that ISO will continue to bene- Preface : “ Realities and priorities in developing countries are different fit from the goodwill it has enjoyed up from those that pertain to the developed world ; a typical standards to now with donors to fund the imple- body structure and mode of operation that work well and meet the mentation of the next Action Plan. It is needs of stakeholders in a developed country are unlikely to be the likely that new challenges will contin- perfect answer in the developing world.” ue to emerge and more cooperation will be required from all agencies deliver- Fast forward – National Standards Bodies in Developing Countries, A5 format, 88 ing technical assistance to developing pages, colour, ring binder is available in English (ISBN 978-92-67-10477-5) and countries in the areas concerned. French (ISBN 978-92-67-20477-2) free of charge (fee for postage and handling) from ISO national member institutes and from ISO Central Secretariat through the ISO Store or by contacting the Marketing & Communication department ([email protected]). It can also be downloaded as a PDF file from both the ISO and UNIDO Web sites.

ISO Focus September 2008 23 Main Focus The ( t )winning Addressing the needs of developing concept countries

by Michael A. Smith, Secretary of the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB)

arlier this decade, there were increasing calls in numerous fora Efor developing countries to be more involved in setting International Standards. At that time, the ISO Techni- cal Management Board was initiating its deliberations which resulted in ISO’s global relevance policy, according to which “ the required characteristic of an Inter- national Standard is that it can be used and implemented as broadly as possible by affected industries and other stakeholders in markets around the world.” One issue was that national standards bodies in developing countries sometimes need to modify Internation- al Standards to make them appropriate for use in their countries. However, at the time there was no mechanism by which the ISO committee which had developed the International Standard could be informed when such modifica- tions were made. To address this aspect, the TMB consequently extended the systematic review of standards to all ISO member bodies as a means whereby developing countries can provide feedback to committees when they have found it necessary to make changes to standards in order to make them suitable for national adoption. With regard to the broader ques- tion, the TMB recognized that, firstly, in order to take into account the needs of developing countries during the development of a standard, it was necessary to get feedback from them during the development process, and that secondly, while all ISO member bodies have the right to vote and comment on draft (DIS) and final draft (FDIS) International Stand- ards, that right was rarely exercised by member bodies in developing countries. As a consequence, the TMB decided to introduce the concept of twinning, whereby a member body in a devel-

24 ISO Focus September 2008 Committee Twin Twin Level

Secretariat TMB working group on social responsibility SIS, Sweden ABNT, Brazil and Chair the way forward TC 8, Ships and marine technology DIN, Germany SAC, China Secretariat

TC 34, Food products AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil Secretariat oped country could twin with TC 34/SC 12, Sensory analysis AFNOR, France IRAM, Argentina Secretariat a member body in a develop- TC 45, Rubber and rubber products AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil P member ing country, either : TC 45/SC 2, Testing and analysis AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil P member • to help the latter ensure its needs were TC 45/SC 3, Raw materials (including taken into account during the devel- AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil Secretariat latex) for use in the rubber industry opment of standards of particular importance to its national economy ; TC 45/SC 4, Products (other than hoses) AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil P member or TC 59/SC 16, Accessibility and usability of AENOR, Spain UNIT, Uruguay Chair • to provide assistance to allow the the built environment member body itself to be more active- TC 84/WG 7, Safety issues for needles DS, Denmark SAZ, Zimbabwe Convenor ly involved in the technical work. (medical devices) ISIRI, Islamic rep. TC 122, Packaging JISC, Japan Secretariat of Iran TC 176, Quality management and quality SCC, Canada SAC, China Chair assurance AFNOR, France SNIMA, Morocco P member TC 176/SC 1, Concepts and terminology AFNOR, France ABNT, Brazil Chair BSI, British TC 176/SC 2, Quality systems SAC, China Secretariat Standards TC 176/SC 3, Supporting technologies NEN, Netherlands IRAM, Argentina Chair TC 207, Environmental management SCC, Canada ABNT, Brazil Chair AFNOR, France SNIMA, Morocco P member TC 207/SC 1, Environmental management BSI, British SABS, South Africa Secretary systems Standards BSI, British BSN, Indonesia Chair Standards TC 207/SC 1/WG 3, Guidelines for a BSI, British TTBS, Trinidad and Convenor staged implementation of an EMS Standards Tobago TC 207/SC 2, Environmental auditing and NEN, Netherlands ABNT, Brazil Chair related environmental investigations SA, Standards TC 207/SC 3, Environmental labelling SAZ, Zimbabwe Chair Australia Greater participation TC 207/SC 4, Environmental performance ANSI, USA IRAM, Argentina Chair One of the elements needed to evaluation achieve greater involvement was for TC 207/SC 5, Life cycle assessment AFNOR, France SPRING, Singapore Chair member bodies in developing countries TC 207/Technical coordination group NSF, Norway IRAM, Argentina Chair to develop the skills required to participate in international standardization TC 223/WG3, Command and control, coordi- DIN, Germany BSN, Indonesia Secretariat nation and cooperation (Societal security) (capacity building). In this respect, it TC 224, Service activities relating to drink- ing water supply systems and wastewater AFNOR, France SNIMA, Morocco P member systems – Quality criteria of the service and About the author performance indicators Secretariat Michael A. TC 228, Tourism and related services AENOR, Spain INNORPI, Tunisia and Chair Smith is Secretariat Secretary PC 242, Energy management ANSI, USA ABNT, Argentina and Chair of the ISO Technical Completed twinning Management Board (TMB). Secretariat He is also TC 37, Terminology and other language ON, Austria SAC, China (now held by Senior Advisor and content resources SAC only) Technical Policy at the Standards Table – Twinning arrangements Department of ISO Central Secretariat.

ISO Focus September 2008 25 Main Focus was decided to extend the concept of twinning also to ISO committee secretariats so that staff from a member body in a developing country can essentially understudy an existing secretariat and learn the various tasks and responsibil- ities which committee secretariats need to undertake.

Vice-chairs It was also recognized that not only does the situation vary signifi- cantly from one developing country to another, but there are often instances in which the value of international standardization is not appreciated either by industry players or by national governments. Therefore, awareness-raising was another factor that needed to be taken into account. In this respect, it was consequently decided to introduce the concept of vice-chairs of ISO committees, which would both allow developing countries to nominate experts Successfully to participate in the governance of the bridging the technical work, and should also serve as a means for promotion at the nation- opportunity gap al level.

Getting involved by Robert Page, Chair, Group as a forum for developing coun- Two examples of successful twin- (Canada), Haroldo Mattos de try participants to focus aspirations ning are given on the following pages. and activities. Lemos, Vice Chair, (Brazil) In 2003, ISO/TC 207’s leaders, Currently, some 25 ISO members are and Kevin Boehmer, Secretary, taking advantage of the scheme with representing the Standards Council of just over 30 active twinning arrange- ISO/TC 207, Environmental Canada (SCC), approached Mr. Haroldo ments, as can be seen in the table on management Mattos de Lemos of Associação Bra- the preceeding page. More information sileira de Normas Técnicas with an offer and help can be obtained from the TMB eadership of ISO technical com- to co-chair the technical committee. secretariat : [email protected]. mittees – that is, the chair and sec- Such was the success of this arrange- Lretariat – remains overwhelming- ment, that all ISO/TC 207 subcommit- ly in the hands of so-called developed tees and working groups are now countries. But luckily, this situation is twinned. starting to change. Twinning arrangements – where leadership positions are shared between developed and developing countries – are gaining ground. A world of benefits Looking back on the experience, key benefits of the twinning approach Encore ! An experience have included : to be repeated • building of individual capacities – Since its inception in 1993, the chairs and secretaries from develop- technical committee ISO/TC 207, Envi- ing and developed countries, work- ronmental management, has champi- ing together, have improved their oned developing country participation. understanding of strategic and oper- About 10 years ago, ISO/TC 207 estab- ational issues enabling them to per- lished a Developing Countries Contact form more effectively;

26 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

• building of institutional capacities way through the ISO system. – standards bodies from developing As Vice-Chair of ISO/TC 207, and developed countries, working I have found the twinning experience together, have improved systems, to be of great benefit to me, to Brazil procedures and relationships, en- and to developing countries. I am con- abling them to improve committee fident that the twinning arrangements and process management ; now employed by ISO/TC 207 – and • building of relationships – chairs ISO as a whole – positively benefit the and secretaries from developing and technical content and uptake of stand- developed countries, working togeth- ards worldwide.” er, have formed professional and per- sonal relationships that will be enjoyed “ Such was the success for a lifetime. of this arrangement, that all ISO/TC 207 Levelling subcommittees and the playing field working groups are now Moving forward, the goal of ini- twinned.” tiatives aimed at building developing country capacity is to level the play- Until such time that the resourc- ing field for individuals and standards es and capacities of developed and bodies participating in standardization. developing countries converge and the “ I have found In the words of Mr. Haroldo Mattos de leadership of ISO committees is equal- the twinning experience Lemos, “twinning arrangements, like ly shared across its membership, twin- those so effectively deployed in ISO/ ning arrangements are a useful means to be of great benefit TC 207, can play a significant role in for building capacity, sharing best prac- to me, to Brazil demonstrating commitment to address- tice and establishing lasting working and to developing ing developing country issues and pro- relationships. viding leadership to developing coun- countries.” try participants trying to navigate their

About the authors

Robert Page Haroldo Kevin Boehmer is Chair, ISO/ Mattos de is Secretary of TC 207. He is Lemos is Presi- ISO/TC 207, TransAlta Pro- dent of the Environmental fessor of Envi- Instituto Brasil management, ronmental Man- PNUMA (Bra- and is agement and zilian Commit- Programme Sustainabili- tee for the Manager of the ty, Energy and United Nations Business Environmental Environment Management Systems Group, Programme) and Sustainabil- Institute for Sustainable Energy, Envi- and Professor of Environmental Engi- ity program at the Canadian Standards ronment, & Economy, University of Cal- neering, Polytechnic School, Federal Association. He has a Master’s degree gary, Canada, where he is also an Adjunct University of Rio de Janeiro. He is Vice in environmental planning. Professor in the Haskayne School of Chair of ISO/TC 207. Mr. Mattos de Business. Dr. Page is Chair of the Govern- Lemos obtained a Bachelor of Science ment of Canada’s National Round Table (mechanical engineering) from the on the Environment and the Economy. Polytechnic School of the Catholic He is Chair of the Board of Directors of University of Rio de Janeiro, and has a BIOCAP Canada. Dr. Page has served for Master’s degree, with distinction, the Government of Canada on the Confer- in sanitary engineering from the ence of the Parties for the Kyoto Protocol. International Institute for Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Delft, Netherlands.

ISO Focus September 2008 27 Main Focus

A multicultural effort for a multilingual society by Xinli Yu, twinned Secretary on behalf of SAC (China) and Christian Galinski, Secretary on behalf of ON (Austria), ISO/ TC 37, Terminology and other language and content resources

erminologies are not only fundamental in every subject field, Tthey are indispensable in every language. This is particularly true when the language community wants to develop its language as a tool for scientific-technical communication and participate in the global multilingual information society. For many countries – and increasingly also for multinational enterprises – terminology policies or strategies are highly suitable management tools serving an array of purposes. Further- more, structured (multilingual) content – naturally including terminologies – is increasingly becoming the fuel of the global information society, ardization Administration of China Given this long and fruitful making the standards developed by ISO/ (SAC) and Austrian Standards Insti- cooperation, the ISO/TMB initiative TC 37, Terminology and other language tute (ON) – for submission to ISO/ offered a new way to intensify the coop- resources, ever more important, for devel- TMB. eration between the China National oped and developing countries alike. The International Information Institute for Standardization (CNIS) Centre for Terminology (Infoterm), on behalf of SAC, the member body Partnering and twinning responsible for the operation of the representing China in ISO, and ISO/ ISO/TC 37 secretariat on behalf of ON TC 37 for the benefit of the terminol- The ISO Technical Management since 1971, and the Chinese standard- ogy community worldwide. With the Board’s (ISO/TMB) concept of part- ization authorities had been cooperat- approval of both SAC and ON, respec- nering and twinning foresaw an arrange- ing since the early 1980s under the tively the supervising authority of CNIS ment whereby member bodies could auspices of UNESCO. The coopera- and the official host of the ISO/TC 37 work together to build the capacity of tion was intensified in the 1990s, when secretariat, the draft agreement passed the national standards body of a devel- Infoterm succeeded in bringing about and was approved by ISO/TMB in oping country. As the concept took an inter-governmental Agreement for 2005. shape, ISO/TC 37 took up the idea and the Cooperation in Science and Tech- in 2005 discussed the possibilities of nology between The People’s Repub- partnering and twinning within the lic of China and Austria. Among oth- Visible kick-off ISO/TC 37 framework. As a result, the ers, projects were carried out to sup- secretariat of ISO/TC 37 drafted an port terminology standardization and The twinning agreement imme- agreement to function as a twinned the development of methodology stand- diately bore positive results, putting secretariat, which was then proposed ards in ISO/TC 37 at international, SAC/CNIS in a position to substantial- to the respective ISO members – Stand- regional and national levels. ly contribute to the great success of

28 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward the annual meetings of ISO/TC 37 and ized terminologies in database format. and Mongolian versions of the 3rd International Conference on Ter- To achieve this tremendous task of the ISO terminology data as minology, Standardization and Tech- recording tens of thousands of terms well as selections of Chinese, Japa- nology Transfer (TSTT2006). The two from all ISO standards published so nese, Korean and Mongolian standard- events, both taking place in Beijing in far, CNIS cooperated with other EAF- ized terminologies which are planned August 2006, can be regarded as the Term members in the region, notably to be submitted to the ISO Central Sec- visible kick-off of the cooperation. But Japan and Korea, and the combined retariat for integration into the ISO/ their collaboration does not stop expertise from ISO/TC 37. CDB. This approach may provide a there. The project coincided with efforts model for the future federation of ter- Even before that, the two part- within ISO to address the issue of the minology work and terminology data- ners were already closely cooperating increasing use of databases in stand- bases among ISO member bodies and to identify new trends in pertinent ards development. CNIS contributed between ISO member bodies and the research and development, as well as the terminology data it had extracted ISO Central Secretariat. in society and the economy, to be adopt- from ISO standards to ISO/CS and ed for standardization. Both have been thereby supported ISO’s initiatives in “ The twinning working together towards greater vis- the TMB ad hoc group “ Standards as ibility and awareness for ISO/TC 37 databases”. The work of this group cooperation has had standards. Regarding administrative resulted in the design and development a positive impact on cooperation, a total of three new work of the ISO Concept DataBase (ISO/ ISO as a whole, going items have been identified and taken CDB) to which Infoterm and ISO/TC up by SAC/CNIS, with the logistical 37 experts actively contributed. beyond ISO/TC 37.” and administrative assistance of its twinning partner. “ Seen from the perspective In addition to these activities of both a developing CNIS and Infoterm are working on the Positive and wider development of new methods for Web- and a developed based terminology standardization and impact language, globalization training strategies for terminology But the twinning cooperation standardization experts, in order to has had a positive impact on ISO as a and localization are explore innovative ways to dissemi- whole, going beyond ISO/TC 37 : CNIS, complementary.” nate and apply the standards developed which also takes care of the secretar- by the technical committee. iat of the East Asia Forum on Termi- In the next phases of the coop- nology (EAFTerm), was one of the key eration within EAFTerm, it is planned organizers of a large-scale terminolo- that the project will concentrate on Successful transition gy project to record all ISO standard- organizing Chinese, Japanese, Korean Based on the success and the experience achieved by the twinning secretariat function, SAC was the prime About the authors candidate for the reallocation of the ISO/TC 37 Secretariat after ON had Dr. Christian Ms. Yu Xinli is decided to relinquish the secretariat of Galinski is Vice President this committee. Under ISO/TMB Res- Director of the of the China olution 10/2008, the ISO Technical International National Insti- Management Board entrusted SAC with Information tute of Stand- the responsibility of hosting the sec- Centre for Ter- ardization retariat of ISO/TC 37 (to be operated minology (Info- (CNIS). She is by CNIS on behalf of SAC). SAC is term), an inter- also responsible fully committed to further supporting national NGO for the Chinese the development of standardization based in Vienna, National Com- activities in the field of terminology Austria, and mittee for “Ter- and other language and content founded by UNESCO in 1971. He is minology and other language and con- resources. secretary for ISO/TC 37 on behalf of the tent resources”. She has acted as the Austrian Standards Institute (ON). He “twinning secretary” for ISO/TC 37 holds a number of positions in terminol- since 2006, year in which CNIS hosted ogy organizations worldwide. the annual ISO/TC 37 meetings in Bei- jing, China, and also organized the international conference TSTT 2006 (Termi- nology, Standardization and Technology Transfer).

ISO Focus September 2008 29 Main Focus Main Focus Twinning

Helping developing countries get started

in cooperation with experts represent- development of standards that will have Sharing the cake – ing all stakeholders as a service to Ger- an influence on their activities and man industry, government and society shape their markets. The DIN as a whole. In response to innovative and Endowment Fund A contract with the Federal rapidly developing technologies, DIN Republic of Germany, signed in 1975, now provides other types of technical specifies that DIN is the sole national rules and specifications prepared on standards organization for Germany the basis of a limited consensus, in and represents German interests at addition to consensus-based stand- European and international levels. In ards. Since these new publication Interview with return, DIN ensures that the interests forms need much shorter development Dr.-Ing. Torsten Bahke of society as a whole are duly taken times, they can rapidly adapt to chang- into consideration in the standardiza- ing requirements and demands in a tion process. competitive world. ISO Focus : How would you describe Standardization cannot function In line with Germany’s stand- the mission and activities of DIN, without a strong commitment from its ardization strategy, DIN has directed Deutsches Institut für Normung? stakeholders. An important principle all its efforts, together with nearly is to ensure that standards are devel- 26 000 experts from all branches of Dr. Bahke : DIN, the German Institute oped in an open and transparent sys- industry and society, towards the ful- for Standardization, is a registered non- tem on a voluntary basis. As a partner fillment of a vision that : “ Standardi- profit association which has been based to all sectors of the economy, DIN zation in Germany helps business and in Berlin since 1917. Its primary task is invites and encourages all interested society strengthen, develop and open to develop consensus-based standards parties to take an active part in the up regional and global markets.”

30 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

ISO Focus : In your view, what are ISO Focus : On the occasion of its not possible for national mem- the advantages of International Stand- 75th anniversary in 1992, DIN made bers from developing coun- ards ? How can developing countries a donation of CHF 1,000,000 to ISO. tries to take an active part in the devel- benefit from increased participation Could you tell us more about the rea- opment of International Standards or in the development process and adop- sons and objectives behind the DIN in the work of ISO governance bodies. tion of ISO standards ? Endowment Fund? It is thus imperative for us to intensify our common efforts to include these Dr. Bahke : Rapid globalization has Dr. Bahke : A fair global market needs national standards bodies in standardi- opened up considerable opportunities International Standards that are broad- zation activities and to facilitate their and challenges not only for companies ly accepted worldwide. However, their participation. around the world but for everyone. Due development requires the involvement to increasing national and global inter- of as many ISO members as possible. “ I ndustrialized dependencies in many sectors, a much Due to a lack of resources, it is often closer cooperation between countries have a industrialized countries on responsibility to the one hand and developing actively support countries on the other will be crucial. Undoubtedly, we can developing countries only tackle the burning issues expand their of climate change, poverty, migration, protection of the economic activities environment and security by and improve living joint initiatives at the inter- conditions.” national level. In order to improve the That is why DIN decid- quality of life worldwide, an ed in 1992 to set up the DIN integrated approach is required Endowment Fund. The income to define the necessary para- from the fund would be used meters and to modify econom- to provide educational train- ic structures. Better access to ing and information on stand- international markets will help ardization-related topics. These developing countries expand have included seminars on top- their production and thus help ics such as quality manage- correct economic and social ment and ISO 9000 and envi- imbalances worldwide. ronmental management and International Standards ISO 14000, as well as meet- make a vital contribution to ings held in cooperation with strengthening cooperation the World Trade Organization worldwide and promoting sus- (WTO) to establish informa- tainable economic develop- tion services and WTO enquiry ment and global growth. Stand- points. ards and specifications help In view of fundamental open up international markets, changes in the standardization remove barriers to trade and procedures of ISO during the build strong and efficient econ- Dr.-Ing. Torsten Bahke has been Director past years, electronic docu- omies. Standards reflect the (CEO) of DIN, the German Institute for ment management and the elec- state of the art, i.e. they incor- Standardization, since 1999. tronic committee have become porate current knowledge and increasingly important. Rapid technology. They also support Having obtained his Doctorate in engineering technological developments the transfer of expertise and from Hanover University in 1978, Dr. Bahke and increasing global compe- experience, and can thus serve joined the Krupp Group where he held tition make a timely and well- to develop the economic poten- several managerial positions both in coordinated development of tial and technological compe- Germany and abroad. He was appointed standards an essential need. tence of developing and tran- Member of the Executive Board of In order to fulfil these sition countries. Directors of Krupp Fördertechnik GmbH, requirements, ISO has provid- Essen, in 1994 and remained there until ed the IT infrastructure which 1997 when he joined DIN. allows the rapid distribution of documents and information Dr. Bahke was ISO Vice-President (Policy) from 2002 until 2005. ISO Focus September 2008 31 Main Focus to all parties involved in standardiza- No doubt, the decision on which tional standardization, as well as any tion. Therefore, DIN found it neces- project is to be supported and which other activities in which you are cur- sary in 2001 to amend the DIN Endow- given priority is a difficult one to take. rently involved? ment Fund to place more emphasis on Our aim was to offer assistance via information and communication tech- regional seminars that would appeal Dr. Bahke : The strong commitment of nology (ICT) support. Since then, var- to a broad range of interested partic- DIN to international development pol- ious ICT projects in different parts of ipants. In view of the aforementioned icies has long been an integral part of the world have been promoted through substantial changes in the standardi- our standardization activities. Besides the DIN Endowment Fund. Hardware zation process, the subsequent deci- the activities supported from the DIN and software as well as special train- sion to focus on ICT support was abso- Endowment Fund, we have organized ing have been provided with the aim lutely necessary to enable national seminars on standardization-related to enable national standards bodies standards bodies to participate in stand- matters at home and abroad, and have from developing countries to use appro- ardization work and benefit from the assisted national standards bodies from priate IT tools and thus, ultimately, to advantages IT tools offer. All in all, developing countries in setting up become better integrated into national databases and infor- the international standardiza- mation centres. Furthermore, tion system. we have concluded cooperation agreements with several national standards bodies from “ International these countries. The aim is to Standards contribute enhance and strengthen links in the fields of standardization, to strengthening conformity assessment and cooperation, information management. promoting sustainable economic “ When the DIN development and Endowment Fund global growth.” was established, the idea was to ISO Focus : As the Fund comes raise awareness to an end in 2009, do you con- of the importance sider that the activities carried out in favour of developing and benefits of countries met the expectations standardization.” of DIN? Which single activity do you think had the most impact? Although the DIN Endowment Fund will come Dr. Bahke : Industrialized coun- to an end in 2009, DIN intends tries such as Germany have a to continue its activities in DIN Headquarters, Berlin, Germany. responsibility to take an active part in international development, depending supporting developing countries to expand on DIN’s financial situation. We are their economic activities and improve I hope that the projects supported by currently reviewing our activities in their living conditions. When the DIN the DIN Endowment Fund have made this field to identify how priorities Endowment Fund was established, the a significant contribution to strength- should be determined. The ISO “Funds- idea was to organize regional training ening standardization activities world- in-trust” is an initiative which we con- courses in different parts of the world wide. sider of great importance. A great deal in order to raise awareness in develop- has already been achieved, but we are ing countries of the importance and well aware that much more needs to benefits of standardization. This is fun- ISO Focus : Much has clearly been be done. It is our global responsibility damental to all further efforts to develop done, and now it is again time to look to find common solutions in order to standardization activities at the nation- ahead into the future and ask what meet the critical challenges the world al level. As part of our programme, we comes next. What can you tell us faces today. pursued the approach “training of train- about the future plans and strategies ers”, and, in our view, this has proved that DIN might consider to help devel- successful. oping countries benefit from interna-

32 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

ISO provides ICT onsite assistance and The same difficulties training funded by the DIN Endowment. Financing arise for participation in international standards bodies (ISO and the standardization International Electrotechnical Com- projects – The mission – IEC), and for funding regional and subregional bodies – in our case, how’s and why’s of the Pan American Standards Commis- sion (COPANT) and the Mercosur (com- the Inter-American mon market of the south) Association Development Bank for Standardization (AMN).

COPANT – A case in point by Pablo Benia, Director, COPANT was established in Bhutan (SQCA), November 2006. Uruguayan Institute of Technical 1949. It became operational at the Mon- Standards (UNIT) tevideo meeting in 1961, making it the first regional standardization body to Money,” they say, “ makes the be established. The organization has world go round.” One of the dif- always had funding problems. Initially, “ficulties experienced by those of these were overcome thanks to contri- us who have spent several years work- butions from the Organization of Amer- ing on standardization in developing ican States (OAS), but it has now been countries, particularly in the smallest, 15 years since the last OAS contribu- is obtaining national or international tion.

Mozambique (INNOQ), June 2007.

Nepal (NBSM), November 2006. Mercosur project launch.

funding. The situation is exacerbated Fortunately the Multilateral in the case of private institutes that do Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter- not have the economic cooperation of American Development Bank (IDB) is the state. funding regional technical standardi- Often, those institutes partially zation projects relating to the compet- solve the problem by carrying out prof- itiveness of small and medium enter- itable standardization-related activi- prises (SMEs), market access and inte- ties, such as training and certification. gration, and covering almost all stand- Surplus funds thus generated can be ardization bodies that are members of used to finance standardization to some COPANT in Latin America and the Gabon (ANTT), March, 2008. degree – albeit only partially. Caribbean.

ISO Focus September 2008 33 Projects MIF/IDB Main Focus

The first projects promoted by ISO and COPANT, the call for projects did not give preference to In 1994, ISO and COPANT met The standardization organizations and only with the then President of the IDB, Mr. meet- seven, including UNIT, received fund- Enrique Iglesias, to alert him to the ing called ing. fact that Latin America was lagging f for behind in the introduction of what were national at the time the already successful ISO projects in all Programme IDB Implementer 9000 series of quality system stand- Latin American MERCOSUR Uruguay ards, and the importance of promoting countries aimed at Andean Region Colombia their application. promoting the use of As a result, Mr. Iglesias pledged management system Central America Costa Rica the IDB’s support as soon as the Mul- standards, such as ISO 9000 Caribbean CROSQ tilateral Investment Fund became oper- on quality systems and ISO ational. In 1999, he convened a meet- 14000 on environmental man- ing in Washington that was attended, agement systems. As a result, Most of those projects were car- inter alia, by representatives of ISO, projects were approved in 15 ried out between 2000 and 2004. Not COPANT and the Uruguayan Institute countries in Latin America and only were they important projects in of Technical Standards (UNIT). the Caribbean. However, even though their own right but, certainly in the case of Uruguay, their implementation drew the Bank and UNIT much closer together. As a result, the IDB acknowl- edged and recognized the importance Objectives and components of the standardization work being car- • The projects’ general objective is to enhance SME ried out. This would prove decisive in promoting new projects that – as they competitiveness by having SMEs participate in regional, national and international standardization processes, thereby facilitating the exchange of goods and service and the process of regional, hemispheric and global integration. • The specific objective is to develop a pilot experience in each country to support technical standardization, showing the public and private sectors its strategic importance in facilitating trade and integration and hence the need for it to be sustainable. • The hoped-for final project outcome is a model that is implemented and functions sustainably, with an ongoing demand ABNT participates with the support of IDB/MIF in the International Textile for the preparation of standards in whose financing the Industry Fair in Sao Paulo, Brazil. stakeholders directly participate. • The first component – awareness – comprises conferences, press reports, the publication and presentation of compendia of concerned standardization specifically standards and participation in fairs and conventions. – were of benefit to almost all stand- • The second and main component is standardization at national ardization bodies in Latin America and level, its harmonization at regional level and the participation of the Caribbean. the international bodies (ISO and IEC). In the words of Santiago Soler, IDB expert : “ This project enabled the • The third component – capacity-building – comprises courses on Bank and its technicians to familiar- standardization and conformance evaluation and on topics of ize themselves with the world of stand- standardization relating to the project. ardization, to learn about and come to • The fourth component varies from one subregion to another, but trust its bodies, its international ties and the enormous benefits that stand- in general it has to do with creating awareness among SMEs, ardization constituted for global trade developing information networks, workshops on the application and regional integration, in particular of standards, conferences and strengthening of existing in connection with what it meant for subregional standardization bodies or their establishment, as the competitiveness of SMEs. We were the case may be. also able to appreciate how difficult it was to find funding for standardization activities.”

34 ISO Focus September 2008 IDB/MIF Projects MIF contribution Andean region Central Component MERCOSUR America Caribbean the way forward Management 168 160 534 040 574 300 358 100

Awareness 496 560 398 360 382 640 176 800 Launched in 2004, the Standardization 1 300 560 1 250 650 648 680 461 260 projects have considerably strengthened the standardization activi- Capacity-building 200 000 131 760 501 860 33 120 ties of national standardization bodies in Others 332 840 476 130 430 080 182 750 Latin America and the Caribbean at national, regional and international levels. They Total MIF 2 498 120 2 790 940 2 537 560 1 212 030 have served to develop extensive capacity-building programmes and sparked off Totals countless events to spread information on MIF: USD 9 038 650 – Local: USD 5 240 990 – Total: USD 14 279 640 the standards produced.

New pilot demonstrates So it came about that UNIT, work- Model for a wider world benefits ing in coordination with the MIF, prepared the first project for Mercosur, in It is worthy of note that a body It was against this backdrop that which not only Uruguay but also Argen- created to promote development in the UNIT and the IDB analysed how the tina (Argentine Standardization Institute Americas – the IDB through the MIF – standardizing bodies could develop a – IRAM), Brazil (Brazilian Association has grasped the importance of stand- pilot project demonstrating the bene- for Technical Standards – ABNT), Chile ardization as an indispensable means fits of standardization. (National Standardization Institute – of promoting the competitiveness of At first, the project was to be INN), Paraguay (National Institute of SMEs, market access and integration. implemented through COPANT but Technology and Standardization – INTN) The generous financial support ultimately, since there were already and Mercosur’s AMN participated. The provided no doubt generates an enor- subregional free trade areas and trade project was officially presented in July mous responsibility on the part of the agreements, a subregional approach 2004 in the presence of ISO Secretary- beneficiary bodies to meet the expecta- was preferred. General Alan Bryden, senior national tions implicit in the project. If those officials and over 700 entrepreneurs. expectations are met – and so far they have been – the project could serve as a model for the continent and for other About the author Replication through parts of the world. the regions Pablo J. Benia, a chemical Once the initial phase had been “ The projects have engineer, joined approved by the MIF, the project was the Uruguayan sent by UNIT for adaptation and repli- considerably strengthened Institute of cation to the Colombian Institute of Tech- the standardization Technical Stan- nical Standards and Certification (ICON- dards (UNIT) in TEC) for the Andean region, to the activities of national 1969, and has Costa Rica Institute of Technical Stand- standardization bodies served as Direc- ards (INTECO) for Central America and in Latin America and the tor since 1976. to the CARICOM (Caribbean Commu- He is Vice- nity) Regional Organization for Stand- Caribbean.” President of COPANT, of which he has ards and Quality (CROSQ). also been president on three occasions ; Over the four years required for President of the Mercosur AMN ; their implementation, the IDB contrib- Additional resources Regional Director of the UNIT-IDB- uted USD 9 038 650 to the various projects, Mercosur project, Market access and and national agencies contributed IDB MIF : www.iadb.org/MIF integration through technical standard- USD 5 240 990, making a total of ization, launched in 2004 ; and was The projects’ progress can be USD 14 279 640 (see Figure above). Director of the UNIT-IDB project, The projects have similar objec- checked on the following Web Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs sites (Spanish only) : through ISO standards, between 2001 tives and are based on the development and 2004. He has been a member of the of four principal activities or compo- Andean region : Board of the Uruguayan Accreditation nents (see Box). They have selected www.norexport.org Agency (OUA) and the National Quality standardization topics such as food safe- Institute since their inception, and is a ty and various types of food and bever- Central America : member of the Judges’ Panel of the ages, social responsibility, software qual- www.comccanor.org ity and information systems, conform- National Quality Award. Mr. Benia has Mercosur : http://unit.org.uy/ taught at the Itaú Foundation, the ance evaluation, tourism, sustainable Catholic University and University of forest management, wood products, bio- proyecto_fomin-bid the Republic. fuels and textiles.

ISO Focus September 2008 35 Main Focus

and non-tariff barriers to trade. The Supporting significance of TBTs was recognized and in Article 17 of the same protocol, regional member states are called upon to base integration – their standards-related measures, including technical regulations, on relevant The Southern International Standards. The vehicle through which poten- African tial TBTs would be dealt with in the area of standardization, quality assur- Development ance, accreditation and metrology Community (SQAM) took the form of a Memoran- dum of Understanding (MoU). After recognizing the need to put in place a framework that would facilitate regional cooperation aimed towards the pro- by Oswald S. Chinyamakobvu, gressive elimination of technical bar- Senior Programme Manager, riers to trade within the region and Southern African Development between SADC and other regional trading blocks, the SADC SQAM MoU, Community (SADC) which led to the creation of the SADC SQAM Programme, was adopted by t is now well accepted that there are the SADC ministers responsible for developmental benefits for countries trade in September 2001. Ithat come together to form multinational economic blocks, or regional economic communities (RECs). As mem- Not without challenges bers of an REC reduce tariff and non- tariff barriers to trade, producers in the In order to implement the SADC region are able to access bigger markets SQAM Programme, the following struc- and so benefit from greater economies tures were created : of scale. Consumers also benefit from • SADC Cooperation in Accreditation the lower prices that should accrue from (SADCA) ; increased competition. • SADC Cooperation in Measurement Even greater growth can be real- Traceability (SADCMET) ; ized if the REC supports its producers’ The SADC vision is one of a • SADC Cooperation in Legal participation not just in regional mar- Metrology (SADCMEL) ; kets, but also in the global marketplace. common future. A future within a • SADC Cooperation in Standardiza- In this context standards play a key role regional community that will ensure tion (SADCSTAN) ; in the removal of technical barriers to economic well-being, improvement of trade (TBTs), in consumer protection the standards of living and quality of • SADC SQAM Expert Group and in the improvement of market com- life, freedom and social justice, and (SQAMEG). petitiveness of goods and services. peace and security for the peoples of Southern Africa. “ Standards play a key role SADC vision The road to economic in the removal of technical The Southern African Develop- growth ment Community (SADC) was formed barriers to trade (TBTs) and in August 1992, in Windhoek, Namibia, SADC realized from the outset in consumer protection.” where a declaration and treaty were that integration and meaningful eco- signed at the Summit of Heads of State nomic growth would to a large extent and Government. As at July 2008, the be achieved through increased trade Regional cooperation in SQAM member states comprising SADC were among its member states and with oth- has been challenging, in view of the Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Repub- er parts of the world. different levels of development of lic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagas- One of the earliest instruments SQAM infrastructure in the various car, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, developed to facilitate this objective member states. Table 1 shows the sta- Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, the was the SADC Protocol on Trade, which tus of standardization infrastructure in United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia lays down the framework for – among the SADC countries. and Zimbabwe. other things – the reduction of tariff

36 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

The status of metrology and • appreciation of the importance of Further initiatives conformity assessment infrastructures participating in international stand- Recently, the region in the different SADC member states ardization activities ; concluded a financing agreement with follows the same pattern. As far as • establishment of a regional accredi- the European Commission to the tune accreditation is concerned, only Mau- tation body, SADC Accreditation of EUR 14,2 million to fund a project, ritius and South Africa have accredi- Services (SADCAS), to meet the of which the purpose is to contribute tation bodies, with that of Mauritius accreditation needs of member states to the development and implementa- still in its infancy. that do not have a national accredi- tion of a regional policy on technical tation body ; regulations, and the establishment of Visible achievements • the July 2008 transformation of the a more effective, efficient and func- tioning trade-related SQAM support The main achievements of the SADC SQAM MoU into a legal annex of the SADC Protocol on Trade, which infrastructure. This initiative should regional SQAM cooperation arrange- result in the upgrading of many SQAM ment in SADC have been : provides for the adoption of regional- ly-harmonized standard texts and the institutions within the region, includ- • general agreement among stakehold- withdrawal of any conflicting standing provision of state-of-the-art equip- ers to move towards basing standards by each member state. The TBT ment for metrology and testing. ards-related measures on Interna- Annex, as it is known, also provides In August 2008, SADC will tional Standards, such as those pro- for the formation of extra cooperation launch its Free Trade Area. Standards duced by ISO, International Electro- structures that are expected to deal will be an important element in facili- technical Commission, International with technical regulations and stake- tating increased regional trade and Plant Protection Convention, Inter- holder participation in regional SQAM ensuring the protection of the environ- national Office of Epizootics, Codex issues more effectively. ment and consumers. Alimentarius Commission, etc. ; • the production of harmonization pro-

cedures for regional standards and “Member states are called upon the establishment of a Standards to base their standards-related measures on relevant Management Committee (SMC) by International Standards.” SADCSTAN. The SMC will coordinate all regional standards’ harmonization activities in SADC. Stand- Stage Description Countries ards based on International Stand- ards will be fast-tracked ; A A national standards focal point ; standards DRC information ; no national standards body ; no Lesotho standards development activity.

B A national standards body ; standards informa- Angola tion ; national/regional standards publication ; Madagascar About the author no meaningful participation in regional/inter- Mozambique national standards development process. Dr Oswald S. Namibia Chinyamakobvu is the Senior Swaziland Programme Zambia Manager for standardization, C A national standards body ; standards infor- Botswana quality assur- mation ; national/regional standards publica- Malawi tion ; meaningful participation in regional stan- ance, accredita- Mauritius tion and metrol- dards development process ; limited participa- ogy (SQAM) at tion in International Standards development Tanzania the Southern process. Zimbabwe African Development Community (SADC) secretariat and headquarters in D A national standards body ; standards infor- South Africa Gaborone, Botswana. Dr. Chinyamakobvu mation ; national/regional standards publica- is also Vice-Chair of ISO/TC 207/SC 3, tion ; meaningful participation in regional stan- Environmental labelling ; Co-convenor dards development process ; meaningful par- of ISO/TC 207 Chairman’s advisory ticipation in International Standards develop- group, Small and medium-sized enter- ment process. prises task group, and Convenor of ISO/ TC 84/WG 7, Safety issues for needles. Table 1 – Development stages of national standards bodies in SADC member states.

ISO Focus September 2008 37 Main Focus

Bringing down technical barriers to trade with metrology, accreditation and standardization

by Michael Streak, Secretary of JCDCMAS

he Joint Committee for the coordination of technical assistance to TDeveloping Countries in Metrol- ogy, Accreditation and Standardization (JCDCMAS) was established in 2002 with the aim of coordinating assistance to developing countries and those in transition in the areas of metrology, accredi- can benefit from building harmonized • identify the relevant activities being tation and standardization (MAS). technical infrastructures as a trade-build- undertaken across the world and pro- These activities, often referred ing capacity. vide a central information point to collectively as technical infrastructure, promote efficiency of communica- are important to all countries as their tion between members; ultimate objective is the welfare of all “ Free trade is now widely citizens and the promotion of sustain- recognized as having • promote the important role of MAS able development. a desirable outcome for developing countries; • coordinate activities to support the beneficial to society as a needs of developing countries; Not-so-free free trade whole.” In an increasingly global world, • contribute to the coordinated proc- free trade is widely recognized as hav- It is also in the interest of devel- ess of infrastructure creation that is ing a desirable outcome beneficial to oped countries to assist developing coun- appropriate, effective and coher- society as a whole. tries in building their technical infra- ent; A number of international agree- structures thereby increasing the poten- • provide a forum for providing and ments through the World Trade Organ- tial for free trade globally, since the sharing best practices for MAS-relat- ization (WTO) aim to promote free presence of more and adequate quality ed activities; trade, primarily through the reduction products in the market encourages com- • facilitate international recognition or elimination of tariff barriers. In this petition and is therefore of ultimate ben- of developing country bodies and context, it has become widely recog- efit to consumers. their participation in international nized that a lack of harmonization of body activities. technical infrastructures, or their absence, can create technical barriers to trade, Primary objectives causing free trade to remain ham- 1) A common goal – pered. The JCDCMAS meets annually and its members share information with Therefore, developing countries Inter-agency partners one another so as to: with absent or poorly developed tech- Recognizing the importance of nical infrastructures are at a disadvan- • eliminate duplication of effort and a harmonized global technical infra- tage and their ability to successfully ensure consistency in the expert advice structure, a number of international enter into trade is potentially restricted. on metrology, accreditation and stand- organizations have specific roles in MAS Even developing countries which are ardization, i.e. MAS-related activi- activities, and are partners engaged in not currently engaged in significant trade ties; the JCDCMAS initiative.

38 ISO Focus September 2008 the way forward

• The International Bureau of Weights • the Telecommunication Standardi- In addition to the inter- and Measures (BIPM) is an interna- zation Sector (ITU-T) of the Inter- national organizations already tional organization concerned with national Telecommunication Union, mentioned, the following are also mem- world metrology, specifically the use covering telecommunication equip- bers of the JCDCMAS : of uniform units of measurement and ment, systems, networks and related • International Trade Centre. the equivalence of national measure- areas; ment standards. BIPM provides the • United Nations Industrial Develop- • the International Organization for structure for members to act in comment Organization. Standardization (ISO), whose scope mon accord on all matters relating covers all other technical fields, to units of measurement. including services, management sys- • International activities in legal metrol- tems and conformity assessment pro- Bringing the world ogy are coordinated by the Interna- cedures. together tional Organization of Legal Metrol- As the pace of globalization con- ogy (OIML). Relevant where there tinues to increase at an outstanding are legislative requirements to be “It is in the interest of speed, bringing the world closer togeth- met, legal metrology specifications developed countries to er, the need for technical structures per- and guidelines are produced within mitting free trade has never been great- the OIML framework. assist developing countries er. Not only can free trade promote sus- in building their technical tainable development, allowing fair and A wide spectrum of Internation- infrastructures.” increased competition, and thus better al Standards, including standards for distributing wealth globally, but it can products, processes and management also ensure the protection of consumers systems, are produced by: Conformity assessment broadly around the world. In this context, the includes testing, certification and accred- • the International Electrotechnical work of JCDCMAS on metrology, accreditation. Testing or auditing, as the case Commission, whose scope covers itation and standardization has an impor- may be, should be carried out to assure electrical and electronic engineer- tant enabling role. the compliance of a product or service ing; with the requirements contained in the relevant standard(s). Such testing or auditing should be done by bodies or organizations which have demonstrat- About the author ed their competence to perform the task. Michael Streak Certification bodies are able to is the Executive make third-party declarations of the Secretary of the compliance of products and services JCDCMAS, with written standards. Such declara- seconded to the tions should also be carried out by bod- International ies which have demonstrated their com- Bureau of petence. Accreditation bodies are main- Weights and ly concerned with independent and Measures objective verification of the necessary (BIPM) from competence of testing laboratories and the National certification bodies to conduct these Metrology Institute of South Africa activities, including testing, inspec- (NMISA). He has a BSc in Chemistry tion, calibration and certification. and Biochemistry, a BSc (Hons) in Two international organization Quality and Reliability and an MBA and partners of JCDCMAS are working to has been involved in the implementation ensure that the output from accredited of quality systems since 1991. He joined the NMISA in 1997 and has been certification bodies and accredited lab- involved in international activity associ- oratories is mutually recognized around ated with metrology for a number of the world. These are: years. He is seconded to the BIPM until • International Accreditation Forum; February 2010, where he is also • International Laboratory Coopera- involved in quality related activities and 1) The secretariat of the JCDCMAS serves as the BIPM liaison with the tion. is currently held by the BIPM. E-mail Intra African Metrology System [email protected] Web www.jcdcmas. (AFRIMETS). org

ISO Focus September 2008 39 Developments and Initiatives A sustainable future for standards development Highlights of the Committee’s Chairs Conference 2008 by Maria Lazarte, Acting Editor, ISO Focus

eaders of the technical commit- Because this system is decentral- of standards on sustainability in rela- tees that develop ISO Interna- ized, ISO instituted a conference for the tion to activities such as building con- L tional Standards met in Geneva, chairs of its technical committees, sub- struction, treatment of waste, the qual- Switzerland in June 2008 to improve committees and project committees to ity of water services, and air, water and further the efficiency and global rele- provide them with an opportunity for a soil quality. ISO has also recently vance of the organization’s standards face-to-face exchange of views, experi- launched strategic initiatives on energy development system. ences and ideas with their counterparts efficiency and renewable sources. ISO Secretary-General Alan from other committees. This year the As for social equity, there are Bryden put their work in context by conference highlighted the themes of standards on consumer protection, safe- declaring : “ Not only is business global sustainability and standards and public ty at work, accessibility requirements today, but so is the response to a number policy, as well as communication, con- for people with disabilities, and a diverse of challenges, such as climate change, formity assessment and technology for range of healthcare initiatives. Mr. with all its complexity, and the provi- standards development. sion of food for a growing world population, as well as constraints on supplies of raw materials, energy, water, securi- Contributing to ty and healthcare. “ If we add to these global chal- sustainability lenges the pervasiveness and need for During his opening speech, ISO connectivity and inter-operability of President Mr. Håkan Murby said : “ We information and communication tech- contend that our standards, taken as a nologies, you can understand why the whole, make a major contribution to all need for consensus-based International three dimensions of sustainability : eco- Standards has never been so great. nomic growth, environmental integrity “ In response, our collective chal- and social equity.” lenge is to develop globally relevant The ISO President proceeded to standards while continuously improv- explain how ISO standards addressed ing their time-to-market, user friendli- each of these aspects. Firstly, ISO stand- ness, the quality of the consensus on ards fuel economic growth by provid- which they are based, and our network ing tools for business transactions and of partnerships with stakeholders.” eliminating barriers to trade, consoli- ISO’s current portfolio of more dating innovation and contributing to than 17 000 voluntary standards is the interoperability and the dissemination output of stakeholders in business, gov- of new technologies and best practices. ernment, international organizations, The “ toolbox” of standards for conform- consumer associations and other groups, ity assessment, which can be used to working in over 3 000 technical bodies increase confidence in products and under more than 700 ISO committees. services, is also part of this contribu- Every working day, seven or more ISO tion. meetings are taking place in different In the environmental field, ISO parts of the world, not counting the vir- standards support the dissemination of tual meetings and contacts using ISO’s environmentally friendly and energy Web-based IT tools for its technical efficient technologies and practices. work. There is moreover, a growing number

40 ISO Focus September 2008 Murby added : “ Consensus-based standards for products and services on the one hand, and for conformity assessment procedures on the other, are of growing interest to public policy makers in the context of good public governance and better regulation”.

Addressing a basic public need Highlighting the importance of sustainability, Jean-Luc Redaud, Chair of ISO/TC 224, Quality of water services, presented the case of the standards on service activities relating to drink- ing water supply systems and wastewater systems. He explained how starting from the axiom that water is a basic need, the development process of these standards consciously addressed related

From left : ISO Vice-President (technical management) Jacob Holmblad ; ISO President Håkan Murby ; ISO Deputy Secretary-General Kevin McKinley

ISO Focus September 2008 41 Developments and Initiatives

Panel on sustainability. From left : Robert Page, Chair ISO/TC 207 (environmental management) ; Amanda Tucker, TMB Member (UK); Jean-Luc Redaud, Chair ISO/TC 224 (water services) ; Michel Bourassa, TMB Member (Canada) ; Kevin McKinley, ISO Deputy Secretary-General social, economic and environmental Focus and ISO Management Systems, Providing confidence issues. As a result they make repeated which feature its latest developments The importance of establishing references to sustainability in relation and achievements. good practice and assessing conformity to water, including a definition based Chairs were also urged to com- is growing in tandem with the increas- on the current draft of ISO 26000 (Social plete marketing data forms as the first ing uptake of ISO standards. At the meet- responsibility). step towards identifying which standing, conformity assessment was identi- Mr. Redaud recounted that to ards should be promoted. A call was giv- fied as key for promoting confidence, develop these globally relevant stand- en to actively approach the ISO Market- and participants were urged to take ards, the committee had to address the ing and Communication department “ Tell advantage of the CASCO (ISO Com- needs and resources of extremely diverse them what is important, we need to committee on conformity assessment) “ tool- geographies and demographics. The municate. If your work is not known - box” of standards. solution was to encourage the partici- it’s not used ! ” concluded Kevin McKinley, pation of a wide diversity of stakehold- ISO Deputy Secretary-General. ers and promote governance for mutual understanding – a difficult task with From left : Sean Mac Curtain, ISO Head Conformity Assessment ; Olivier Peyrat, successful results. Chair ISO/CASCO, François Falconnet, Chair ISO/TC 34 (food products) ; Kevin McKinley, Participants concluded that all ISO Deputy Secretary-General. ISO technical committees can make a contribution to the topical issue of sustainability.

Spreading the word Nicolas Fleury (Director Mar- keting and Communication) Roger Frost (Manager Communication Services) and Régis Brinster (Manager Marketing and Distribution Services) from the ISO Cen- tral Secretariat emphasized the importance of communication for spreading the word on the work carried out by technical committees and putting ISO standards into the hands of all interested stakeholders. The presenters described numerous tools available for this purpose including the ISO/IEC marketing and communication forum, informative publications and videos, press releases (with targeted dissemination and monitored uptake), an updated Web site, and ISO’s monthly and bi-monthly magazines, ISO

42 ISO Focus September 2008 Olivier Peyrat, Chair of ISO/ The importance of nurturing rela- products that can be reliably cross ref- CASCO, explained how his committee tions with government and policy mak- erenced (coded in xml). It is possible can provide technical knowledge and ers was highlighted as an important step then to concentrate only on the elements called on Chairs to liaise with them. He towards developing standards as prac- that are different, saving time and sim- expanded on elements such as the Stra- tical tools for these stakeholders. plifying the process. The committee has tegic Alliances and Regulatory Group developed its own product database, (STAR) which provides a mechanism which facilitates dissemination of infor- for industry sectors and regulators to Innovative solutions mation, while protecting important data. interact with CASCO, and the ISO/ Managing and organizing stand- This innovative approach requires care- CASCO interpretation panel, whose goal ards development can be challenging. ful monitoring, but addresses industry is to ensure the consistent and uniform How do some do it ? Peter Hatto, Chair needs and promotes implementation. interpretation and maintenance of exist- of ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, illus- ing standards and guides. trated how this relatively new committee is addressing the needs of an emerging industry. Among the challenges “ The need for consensus- faced, he mentioned the lack of inter- based International nationally agreed nanotechnologies terminology, testing protocols and envi- Standards has never been ronmental impact. The need for stand- so great.” ardization is huge, but in this new field, most of the committee’s work consists of “ anticipatory ” standards. Following-up on this presenta- Striving to be “ horizontal ” with tion, François Falconnet, Chair of ISO/ standards for use by various sectors, the TC 34, Food products, elaborated on the committee established liaisons with case of conformity and the food sector, numerous internal and external stake- and how the committee had successful- holders (e.g. materials, biomedical and ly taken advantage of CASCO’s work energy sectors). Coordination, harmo- to enhance implementation of ISO 22000, nization and information are thus one Food safety management systems. of their crucial objectives.

Sailing through smooth “ All ISO technical waters committees can make a A key subject at the meeting was contribution to the topical how ISO standards can support public policies and regulatory bodies. Captain issue of sustainability.” Charlie Piersall, Chair of ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, recount- Howard Mason similarly spoke ed how the committee has achieved suc- on some of the strategies of ISO/TC 184, cess in this area. ISO/TC 8, he explained, Automation systems and integration, SC took up the challenge of linking and har- 4, Industrial data, for developing indus- monizing the different requirements of try relevant standards. He elaborated on New thinking organizations, such as the International their vision to produce widely applica- Maritime Organization, with those of ble standards following a common infor- Participants also had the oppor- the industry, in order to produce global- mation model, providing industry with tunity to share experiences and discuss ly relevant standards addressing the complete accurate data exchange, and a number of important issues in a series needs of all stakeholders. using a common language. of break out sessions. Mr. McKinley As key to success Captain Piersall Meeting deadlines is key, Mr. concluded that this had been a fruitful emphasized the importance of timing, Mason explained and advised on the experience. It had given rise to new “ you must deliver when the customer committee’s use of Technical Specifi- approaches, new thinking and greater needs it ” he urged. He advised Chairs cations (TS) as quick routes to publica- coherence that will help drive ISO for- to take advantage of available tools – tion. ISO/TC 184/SC 4 has faced chal- ward to serve the everchanging interna- Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) lenges with large and complex stand- tional environment and the needs of its for instance can help address pressing ards, sometimes over 4 000 pages long, stakeholders. needs. Solid liaisons are important, they he said. To address this, the committee take time and effort but when achieved took advantage of common elements, can bring strong results. breaking down standards into reusable

ISO Focus September 2008 43 Developments and Initiatives Driving innovation – Standards and public procurement by Knut Blind, Endowed Chair of Standardization at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

ublic procurement has been eventually their prices, which leads to that – at least in the long run – lead to found to be an effective instru- an increase in private demand. higher quality of public services and P ment for demand-driven inno- Similar effects can be generated lower costs, public procurers do not vation policy. More than 10 % of Gross on the demand side. For example, pos- often put a high emphasis on innova- Domestic Product is spent by public itive “ direct network” effects will increase tion. Rather, they tend to seek the most authorities, representing a significant with the number of participants in com- economic tender, selecting according to share of the total demand. In some areas, munication systems. Positive “ indirect purchase price and not maintenance like information and communication network” effects can be achieved by, costs. Furthermore, public procurers are technology, public authorities are even e.g., developing complementary mar- usually reluctant to take higher finan- responsible for more than a third of kets for product-accompanying servic- cial, health and environmental risks, total sales. International Standards can, es, which leads to a corresponding high- which can be associated with more inno- in turn, maximize the potential of pub- er willingness to pay among private con- vative solutions. And finally, buying lic procurement in promoting innova- sumers. innovative products and services gener- tion. Putting all these aspects togeth- ally involves a lower number of possi- er, the demand for innovative technolo- ble bidders and therefore more limited competition. Positive influence gies and products originally purchased by public authorities will continue to Often the take-off of new prod- increase in the private sector, leading to ucts and technologies and their penetra- their successful and possibly accelerat- Where standards help tion in the market is hindered by a lack ed diffusion. of knowledge among possible early adop- In this context, standards can ters. Other factors also combine to make play a crucial role on the diffusion and promotion of innovation. Indeed, they the situation more complex, such as low Higher quality services acceptance, high costs due to economies can be used to overcome the reluctance of scale, learning curves and non-exist- Taking a still broader perspec- of public procurers to select innovative ent network externalities on the demand tive, public procurement can go even solutions. side (e.g. the option to communicate further in promoting innovation. For Referencing International Stand- with other subscribers within informa- instance, if public authorities inform ards in public procurement processes tion and communication infrastructures innovators of their intentions and needs allows public procurers to purchase less without compatibility and interopera- in advance, risk will be reduced by the expensive products and services due to bility problems). prospect of having a stable and signifi- the global competition that relies on Public procurement can help cantly large initial demand for the inno- cost-saving standards. From a dynamic reduce or even eliminate some of these vators’ products. This is crucial when perspective, diffusion and implementa- barriers. Firstly, by implementing new high entry costs are involved. tion of standards promote further cost technologies and products, public author- Further, successful implementa- savings, making still more resources ities can serve as demonstrators, with a tion of innovative products by the pub- available for further investment in R&D positive influence on potential early lic sector, and subsequently by private on the supplier’s side and more budget adopters who may not otherwise have industry and consumers, will lead to fur- available to spend on innovative features been sufficiently informed about or con- ther technological competition and on the procurer’s side. vinced of the quality, the risk and the research and development (R&D) activ- Another cost-related aspect that performance of the innovation. This can ities to increase global competitiveness. can be solved by using International trigger buying decisions among early In addition to new generations of inno- Standards in public procurement pro- adopters. Large purchases by public pro- vative products, complementary inno- cesses is that of assuring interoperabil- curers allow suppliers to realise econo- vations will be fostered. ity with existing infrastructure, which mies of scale and slide down the learn- But despite the innovation-pro- is especially relevant in the area of infor- ing curve, thus reducing their costs and moting effects of public procurement mation and communication technolo-

44 ISO Focus September 2008 gies. Proper implementation of interface tute for Standardization (DIN), the ISO and compatibility standards reduces the member for Germany. cost of finding adaptive solutions and prevents costs related to incompatible interfaces. A further step for innovation This is only a first step, however, Helping foster innovative because public procurers need to get more capacity actively involved in standardization pro- ices. In turn, the public procurement of cesses. Consequently, on behalf of the In addition, standards also con- such innovative products and services German Ministry of Economic Affairs tribute to dynamically promoting inno- has implications on their diffusion in and Technology, DIN is funding a project vation. At first, referencing Internation- the private sector. conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for al Standards increases competition among Systems and Innovation Research and the companies bidding for public tenders, Berlin University of Technology. who consequently have to develop cost- New tools to exploit efficient offers based on the referenced potential standards. But, more importantly, they “ 40 % of tenders in are encouraged to propose more inno- In order to exploit the potential of the study already made vative features to outperform their com- standards for public procurers, two recent petitors’ offers. activities must be mentioned. Within the reference to standards, Thus, referencing standards – European project STEPPIN (STandards especially the ISO 9000 especially those that are newly released in European Public Procurement lead to – encourages their diffusion. Among INnovation), funded under the 6th Frame- and ISO 14000 series.” bidding companies, such adoption of work Programme of the European Com- International Standards can itself present mission (www.steppin.eu), the Fraun- The aim is to collect preferences an innovation and foster the company’s hofer Institute for Systems and Innova- for new standards from public procur- future innovative capacity. tion Research, with support from other ers responsible for innovative products The resulting enhanced efficien- partners of the project consortium, con- and services characterized by a leading cy is crucial for the broader usage of ducted an analysis of more than 500 ten- position of Germany’s industry. The standards in public procurement. It is a der documents. It turned out that in around approach also tries – like similar projects vital incentive for public procurers, both 40 % of the tenders, standards are already addressing the research community – to for using International Standards in the referenced, especially the generic ISO involve public procurers more actively entire procurement process, including 9000 series of quality management stand- in standardization processes, thus increas- referencing them in tender documents, ards and the ISO 14000 environmental ing both the effects promoting innova- and for their ability to promote innova- management series. Despite the frequent tion and the acceptance of these stand- tion. use of standards, there is still much poten- ards among public procurers. tial to utilize standards in tender documents. Reducing risks About the author In general, using International “In general, using Standards in the procurement process, International Standards in Knut Blind is from its initiation to specification of Head of Compe- requirements and evaluation of submit- the procurement process tence Center ted proposals, to ex-post assessment of makes work for public Regulation and the products and services delivered, Innovation at makes work for public procurers easier. procurers easier.” Fraunhofer Institute for Based on these considerations, public Systems and procurers are well advised to utilize Subsequently, the Fraunhofer Innovation standards. Institute has developed a concordance Research, In addition to enhancing efficien- connecting the Common Procurement Karlsruhe, cy, referencing International Standards Vocabulary used by public procurers to Germany, as well as Chair of Innovation reduces the public procurer’s risk of register their tenders in the European Economics at the Faculty of Economics being responsible for financial ineffi- database of tenders, Tenders Electronic and Management, Berlin University of ciencies, as well as for health, environ- Daily, and the International Classifica- Technology, and Endowed Chair of mental and safety aspects. Reducing tion for Standards developed by ISO. Standardization at the Rotterdam School such risks increases the leeway to opt This will be the basis of a new search of Management, Erasmus University, for more innovative products and serv- tool in development by the German Insti- Netherlands.

ISO Focus September 2008 45 New on the shelf

The book acknowledges that there • practice assists readers in applying the ISO publishes is a market need for separate management principles and methods provided to system standards addressing different aspects, their own situation. book+CD on issues or risks that organizations need to manage. It provides guidance on how organ- The accompanying CD (inside the integrated use izations can apply the different standards back cover), contains real-life examples in a combined way, integrated with their extracted from 15 case studies made in a of management business processes. wide variety of situations. Examples are Based on the practical experience included from companies in Asia, South system of organizations that have successfully America and the Middle East, as well as made integrated use of management sys- Europe and North America. Multinational standards tem standards, the book identifies a vari- companies are included as well as smaller ety of methodologies, tools and practic- ones, in different sectors of activity, for es. profit and not-for-profit, applying different by Roger Frost, Manager, The book, which is in colour and sets of management system standards. Communication Services, includes numerous graphics, is structured ISO Secretary-General Alan Bryden as follows : comments : “ This book should prove to be Marketing & Communication a very useful complement to ISO’s con- • description of the main characteristics, tinuing efforts to ensure the consistency, SO has published a combined book parts and functions of the management coverage and effective use of its manage- and CD giving organizations advice system of an organization I on how to make integrated use of man- ment system standards.” agement system standards. • what sort of requirements are contained The integrated use of management system stand- The integrated use of management in a management system standard, why ards (ISBN 978-92-67-10473-7), 146 pages + system standards distils the experience and these are important and how an organ- CD, A5 format, ring binder is available from expertise of an ISO task force comprising ization should apply them ISO national member institutes and from ISO Central Secretariat ([email protected]). 16 members drawn from business organi- • guidance on how requirements from zations representing a wide range of coun- multiple management system standards tries and sectors, as well as from standards can be integrated in a combined way bodies and academia. within the existing management sys- “ The book provides a good mixture tem of an organization. of theory and practice and will be useful for Each chapter includes the follow- New 2008 beginners as well as for the experienced,” ing distinct sections : declares Petra Eckl of MLPC International, edition of ISO France, leader of the ISO task force. “ It will • guiding questions that helps to focus form a bridge between the increasing number the reader ; standard on of ISO management system standards that • overview summarizing the theory of meet specific concerns of organizations and the topic concerned ; currency codes their stakeholders, and the user organization’s own and unique management • approach featuring the methodologies approach.” and tools applied ; by Janet Maillard, ISO management system standards • Jim the Baker – an imaginary charac- Assistant Editor, ISO Focus (MSS), such as ISO 9001:2000 for quality ter whose company is used to illustrate management and ISO 14001:2004 for envi- he seventh edition of the ISO Inter- the implementation of the methodolo- ronmental management, are among the most national Standard for currency codes gies and tools ; widely used International Standards, while T has just been published. ISO new ISO MSS are gaining ground, includ- • cases in point with actual practices and 4217:2008, Codes for the representation ing ISO 22000 (food safety), ISO 28000 examples from case studies of currencies and funds, is the only world- (supply chain security) and ISO/IEC 27001 wide, multi-industry, standardized curren- (information security). cy code in existence at the present time. Contrary to many other types of As underlined by Jean-Yves Garni- standard, management system standards er, Chair of ISO/TC 68/SC 7 : “ Information cover multiple aspects, levels and func- interchange on an international basis is now tions of an organization and, therefore, commonplace in all spheres of activity. The their implementation can have a substan- value of universally applicable codes for the tial impact on how an organization oper- identification of currencies and funds is indis- ates and manages its business processes. putable. The internationally agreed ISO 4217 In addition, more and more organizations currency codes have been steadily gaining are applying not only one, but a range of ground since they were first developed some management system standards to satisfy 30 years ago, and are now widely imple- their own needs as well as those of exter- mented by industry and public authorities nal stakeholders. alike.” Added Paul Hojka who acted as project

46 ISO Focus September 2008 • extraction and reuse of content for use PDF format with other file formats ; and • gathering data and integrating it with becomes business systems using PDF forms. editor, “ This latest update incorporates all changes introduced to the codes since the ISO standard Major corporations, government previous edition was published in 2001.” agencies and educational institutions use Intended for use in any application PDF to streamline their operations by replac- of trade, commerce and banking, as well as by Maria Lazarte, Acting Editor, ing paper documentation with electronic in the public sector, ISO 4217:2008 is exchange. Already, over 2 000 PDF prod- designed to be equally suitable for manual ISO Focus uct developers use this standard for their products and billons of PDF files are in use or in information technology applica- he Portable Document Format (PDF), existence today. tions. undeniably one of the most common- ISO 4217 specifies the structure for ly used formats for electronic docu- ISO Sec- a three-letter alphabetic code (alpha-3) and T retary-General ments, is now accessible as an ISO Inter- an equivalent three-digit numeric code for national Standard - ISO 32000-1. This move Alan Bryden the representation of currencies and funds. follows a decision by Adobe Systems Incor- comments : “ As Where possible, the codes of both formats porated, original developer and copyright an ISO standard, are derived from international country codes, owner of the format, to relinquish control we can ensure viz. ISO 3166, Codes for the representation to ISO, who is now in charge of publishing that this useful of names of countries and their subdivisions the specifications for the current version and widely pop- (alphabetic) and the United Nations Stand- (1.7) and for updating and developing future ular format is ard Country or Area Code (numeric). For versions. easily available those currencies having minor units, the “ By releasing the full PDF specifi- to all interested standard also shows the decimal relationship cation for ISO standardization, we are rein- stakeholders. The between such units and the currency itself. forcing our commitment to openness ”, says standard will Between published editions, the cur- Kevin Lynch, Chief Technology Officer at benefit both soft- rency codes are maintained by an appoint- Adobe. “As governments and organizations ware developers ed maintenance agency in accordance with increasingly request open formats, mainte- and users by procedures established by the standard. In nance of the PDF specification by an exter- encouraging the addition to processing applications for codes, nal and participatory organization will help propagation and the maintenance agency maintains an updat- continue to drive innovation and expand the dissemination of ed list of codes assigned to currency author- rich PDF ecosystem that has evolved over a common tech- ities and makes the contents of this list avail- the past 15 years.” nology that cuts across systems able on request. The ISO 4217 Maintenance PDF, a digital form used to repre- and is designed for long term survival.” Agency is currently under the responsibil- sent electronic documents, allows users to The new standard, ISO 32000-1, ity of the British Standards Institution (BSI), exchange and view the documents easily Document management – Portable docu- the ISO member for the United Kingdom. and reliably, independent of the environment format – Part 1: PDF 1.7, is based on The updated alphabetic list of ISO ments in which they are created, viewed the PDF version 1.7 developed by Adobe. 4217 currency codes can be accessed free and printed, while preserving their content This International Standard supplies the of charge on ISO’s Web site via www.iso. and visual appearance. essential information needed by developers org/iso/currency_codes.htm, where a link With the explosive growth of the of software that create PDF files (conform- to the Web site of the maintenance agency Internet, PDF has become one of the most ing writers), software that reads existing can also be found. common formats for document exchange, PDF files and interprets their contents for As well as the main currency and widely used in all professional and person- display and interaction (conforming read- funds code listing, ISO 4217:2008 contains al contexts. The format enables : a table of funds codes registered with the ers), and PDF products that read and/or maintenance agency, together with a table • preservation of document fidelity inde- write PDF files for a variety of other pur- of codes giving historic denominations of pendent of device or platform ; poses (conforming products). currencies. An annex describes the Infor- Future versions of the format will • merging of content from diverse be published as subsequent parts of the mation to be provided by those wishing to sources ; apply for the issue of new codes, amend- standard by the ISO subcommittee in charge ments and deletions. • collaborative editing of documents using of its maintenance and development (SC 2, multiple platforms ; Application issues, of ISO technical com- ISO 4217:2008, Codes for the representation of mittee ISO/TC 171, Document management currencies and funds, was prepared by ISO tech- • digital signatures for authenticity ; applications). nical committee ISO/TC 68, Financial services, subcommittee SC 7, Core banking. It is avail- • security and permissions to preserve ISO 32000-1, Document management – Port- able from ISO national member institutes and control over content ; able document format – Part 1: PDF 1.7 is avail- from the ISO Central Secretariat through the able from ISO national member institutes and ISO Store or by contacting the Marketing & • accessibility of content to those with from ISO Central Secretariat ([email protected]). Communication department ([email protected]). disabilities ;

ISO Focus September 2008 47 New on the shelf

• a sustainable market for recovered plas- • the need to minimize adverse environ- tics materials and their derived manu- mental impact ; ISO 15270 factured products. • prior demonstration of sustainable com- will help Plastics material for recovery may mercial viability ; be obtained from various sources and the • secure access to viable systems for col- major markets for plastics are packaging, expand plastics lection and quality control. building and construction products, elec- recovery and trical and electronic products, automotive/ ISO 15270:2008 also provides rec- transportation, and household/consumer ommendations for inclusion in material recycling items. standards, test standards and product spec- ISO 15270:2008 establishes the ifications. Consequently, the process stag- worldwide different options for the recovery of plas- es, requirements, recommendations and tics waste arising from pre-consumer and terminology presented in this standard are post-consumer sources. The standard will intended to be of general applicability. by Sandrine Tranchard, assist in the selection of methodologies and processes for the management of post- Dr. Michael M. Fisher, Chair of Communication Officer, use plastics that may be approached using ISO/TC 61, Plastics, the committee that Marketing & Communication various strategies. developed the standard, comments, “Access In general, plastics recovery tech- to markets for recovered materials or ener- new ISO International Standard nologies can be divided into two classes: gy is an important consideration. There is will assist the emerging worldwide already international trade in end-of-life • material recovery : mechanical recy- market for plastic recovery and products for the purpose of reclaiming or A cling, chemical or feedstock recycling, recycling. Because plastic products are recycling the plastic components and ISO and biological or organic recycling ; traded internationally and many of the 15270:2008 is intended to provide a valu- plastic resin manufacturing companies and • energy recovery in the form of heat, able resource that is globally relevant, no industrial users are multinational compa- steam, or electricity generation using matter which particular legislative or reg- nies, the arrival of ISO 15270:2008, Plas- plastics waste as substitutes for prima- ulatory framework for plastic recovery and tics – Guidelines for the recovery and recy- ry fossil fuel resources. recycling governs its application.” cling of plastics waste, is particularly This International Standard also ISO 15270:2008, Plastics – Guidelines for the opportune. establishes the quality requirements that recovery and recycling of plastics waste costs ISO 15270:2008 has been devel- should be considered in all steps of the 78 Swiss francs and is available from ISO oped to assist all plastics industry stake- national member institutes and from ISO Cen- recovery process. Selection of any one of holders in the development of : tral Secretariat ([email protected]). the available recycling options should be • a sustainable global infrastructure for based on compliance with the following plastics recovery and recycling ; requirements:

48 ISO Focus September 2008 Coming up

Guest View

Jonathan Lash, President WRI In the October issue of ISO Focus, Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute (WRI) – an environmental think tank working towards encouraging society to live in ways that protect the Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of humanity – tells us in an exclusive interview how ISO standards can support the goals of WRI. He says, “ Carbon markets, for instance, cannot be effective without standardized approaches to quantifying greenhouse gas emissions. WRI expects that our partnership with ISO in this area can help us further promote good, consistent approaches to greenhouse gas accounting, which are needed if carbon trading is to effectively help address global warming.” Main Focus

Intelligent and sustainable Standards enable interoperability, increasing efficiency and driving innovation to buildings connect homes with state-of-the-art tech- Buildings consume 40 % of the raw nology to create smart buildings. materials used globally each year, 40 % Not only do ISO standards contribute to of energy and 60 % of the globe’s elec- creating new sustainable buildings, but trical consumption. As the world’s pop- they similarly address the needs of the ulation continues to increase, and the old, which need to be retrofitted to trend for urbanization escalates, the modern standards in order to reduce design and operation of so-called their current environmental impact and “ green ” buildings becomes crucial for a increase their safety, security and serv- sustainable future. iceability. As global concern with climate change In the October issue of ISO Focus, we continues to grow, people are increas- take a look at this topical issue, which ingly conscious of the importance of is the theme of this year’s World Stand- minimizing their environmental footprint. ards Day (14 October). The articles Operators working in the construction explore the critical role that Internation- Mr. Lash elaborates on the Memorandum of buildings can take advantage of ISO al Standards, as practical consensus- of Understanding (MoU) signed standards to maximize the use of design based tools, can have in promoting between ISO, WRI and the World Busi- elements that will promote energy effi- intelligent and sustainable buildings. ness Council for Sustainable Develop- ciency and encourage the use of renew- Focusing on some of the solutions that ment in a move to build confidence able energy sources. Energy is indeed a ISO offers in its extensive portfolio of among the growing number of companies key concern for ensuring the sustaina- standards, the issue addresses a number seeking to manage their greenhouse gas bility of buildings. By providing harmo- of topics ranging from energy perform- emissions (GHG). He explains how the nized testing and calculation methods ance to the reliability of structures. MoU seeks to highlight the guidance enabling the most efficient solutions contained in the ISO 14064 standards and underpinning labeling schemes. Learn in our next issue about ISO stand- for GHG and the WRI and WBCSD International Standards can contribute ards promoting the safety of occupants GHG Protocol standards. to this goal. through the improved resistance of buildings to natural disasters or fires. Learn more in our next issue of ISO Coupled with the need for more environ- Read about standards increasing the Focus about the commitment of these mental and energy-friendly buildings, performance of houses or those ensuring organizations to work together, and how there is also a pressing need for increas- the design life of buildings. ISO standards help support the goal of ingly interconnected intelligent buildings WRI. that optimize safety, security, accessibility To find out about the latest developments and communication, taking full advan- on ISO standards supporting intelligent, tage of the latest technological develop- safe, reliable and sustainable buildings, don’t ments. In this context, International miss out on our next issue of ISO Focus.

ISO Focus September 2008 49 You have to be organized.

ISO standards for a sustainable world

The integrated use of management system standards.

Organizations face multiple challenges. The integrated use of management Available from ISO national member Quality and environmental system standards, explains institutes (listed with contact details management, information how to integrate the required on the ISO Web site at www.iso.org) and from the ISO Central Secretariat security, food safety, sup- elements of different standards Webstore at www.iso.org/isostore ply chain security and within the organization’s or e-mail to [email protected]. occupational health and overall management system. ISBN 978-92-67-10473-7 safety among others. More Based on the practical and more are turning to experience of organizations International Organization management system stan- large and small, the book for Standardization dards (MSS) to help them identifies methodologies, ISO Central Secretariat meet such challenges efﬁ- tools and good practice. An 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse ciently and effectively. The investment for only 48 Swiss Case postale 56 combined book and CD, francs (USD 44 – EUR 30). CH-1211 Genève 20

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