Conformity assessment workshop:
Robert L Gladhill · 1992
The EEC deregulation decision and reliance on voluntary European standards for product conformity to assure the free movement of goods in a "Single Market" under the "New Approach Concept" is precisely what we have been promoting over many years and as such, is very much supported.Overhead 2 "Single Market" Based upon most recent information, conditional agreement has now been reached to extend this "Single Market" to include all seven EFTA countries.Thus, the Western European market or " European Economic Area" will include 19 countries with some 380 million consumers vs. 250 million in the USA and 120 million in Japan.In the years to come, this alliance has the potential to grow further in a similar fashion as the North American Free Trade Act with Canada and Mexico.Overhead3 "SalesIDistribution" Should we be concerned about a "Fortress Europe"?Neither we nor many other US industry sectors think so because:• commerce among nations in fact is global • EC and EFTA members are signatory to the GATT Standards Code• For our industry, EC Directives adopted under the "Old Approach" refer to ISO standards • CEN standards proposals are not a "Re-invention of the Wheel", they are based on available and acceptable ISO standards In summary, harmonization of the many barriers to free movement of goods, services, people and capital should result in economic growth and increased competitiveness. CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE:Now, let's turn to the objectives of this workshop.Conformity Assessment includes a detailed understanding of the implications of applicable directives, safety and performance requirements, CEN standards, declaration of conformity procedures, responsibilities, liabilities, product marking etc.