The role of international standards in removing barriers to trade and assisting developing countries
by Derek G. Spickernell
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 1, No. 1/2, 1986

Abstract: International standards result from the voluntary efforts of national standards bodies within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). They facilitate communication, promote economic production, protect consumer interests, safeguard the quality of life and serve to overcome trade barriers caused by divergent national practices. Standards rely on consensus. Their planning involves careful selection of priorities and realistic programming with a view to timely application. The requirements of any national or international standard should be capable of being satisfied in any country. Standards may be made compulsory through legislation or acknowledged as means of compliance with it. United Nations bodies have called upon governments to legislate by reference to international standards, in order to avoid creating barriers to trade. Developing countries nowadays have an influential voice in ISO. Their use of international standards can facilitate technology transfer, assist in the ordering of foreign products and equipment, and enhance their growing role in world trade. (This is the first of a short series of papers on standards and standardization.)

Online publication date: Wed, 27-May-2009

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