print

According to the definition, standardization is the activity of establishing provisions for common and repeated use, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. In particular, the activity consists of the processes of formulating, issuing and implementing standards. Important benefits of standardization are improvement of the suitability of products, processes and services for their intended purposes, prevention of barriers to trade and facilitation of technological cooperation.

In the standardization process, involvement is open to all interests through the relevant technical bodies which are set up in a balanced manner of the representatives of manufacturers, legislators, laboratories, science, education and consumers.

The involvement of all interests in the process of preparing standards increases trust in the compliance of the products made in conformity with standards.

Standards are documents, established by consensus, based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits. Through implementing standards, many an unnecessary barrier to trade can be eliminated, production and services can be rationalized and greater compatibility of products and services can be achieved.

Standards promote economic development. The latest studies have shown that, by applying standards, the developed European countries save 15 billion Euro per year.

Standards include technical specifications and other precise measures which are often applied as rules, instructions, test procedures or definitions of individual characteristics. Standards are developed primarily with the aim of making the materials, products, procedures and services, which comply with them fit for purpose.

Very often, without our being aware of this, standards make life safer and less complicated, and through standards, products and services become more effective, better meeting the expectations of the users.

As it is known, standards have increasingly developed with the boost of industrial production at various levels. They have been appearing in all spheres of life and work, and lately in different service activities in particular. And, although almost everything is standardized already, new and new fields are opening. Wherever necessary, standards will continue to be developed, corrected and amended. And some obsolete standards will have to be withdrawn, as well.

Because of innovations and rapid technological progress, the need for standards has been increasing rather than decreasing.

Updated: 16. okt. 2006