Harmonizing Standards
We are living in a rapidly changing world. With continued globalization and the explosion of electronic media, we are becoming more connected every day to people around the globe. Many manufacturers source components in one country, build products in another, and then distribute their products in many others. These products must meet the requirements of multiple countries, and, specifically, multiple safety standards.
THE BENEFITS OF HARMONIZATION
Complying with multiple standards can be costly, slow down product launch, result in redundant testing and, if requirements are mutually exclusive or conflicting, may require manufacturing different product models. Conversely, requirements or guidelines comprising different standards that apply to the same industries, devices or initiatives (such as efficient energy use) often overlap.
The goal of harmonization is to find these commonalities, identify critical national requirements that need to be retained, and provide a common standard. For businesses, harmonization cuts compliance costs and simplifies the process of meeting requirements. It also reduces complexity for those tasked with testing and auditing standards compliance
UL supports harmonization to minimize redundant or conflicting standards where support for such harmonization exists.
There are two key types of harmonization that take place at UL: international harmonization and regional harmonization.
INTERNATIONAL HARMONIZATION
Typically, international harmonization involves the adoption of an international standard, such as one published by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization). International harmonization can also imply the promotion of UL Standards concepts into existing or new IEC and ISO standards.
When support for harmonization of a standard is achieved, then an IEC/ISO-based UL Standard, with appropriate national differences, is developed. UL emphasizes keeping the national differences incorporated in an IEC-based UL Standard to a minimum.
REGIONAL HARMONIZATION
Regional harmonization involves the collaboration and co-publication of common standards by UL and one or more other national standards development organizations. UL has co-publication agreements with several Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) in order to develop common standards. UL has developed procedures and tools to assist with the development of harmonized drafts.