As you probably know, the future of the UK’s involvement in the European Standards system has been in question ever since Brexit became a reality. So I’m happy to let you know that BSI will remain in CEN/CENELEC after Brexit. We’ve known for some time that it would take a modification of the rules to allow for this. On November 23, 2018, a vote was taken. BSI will be able to remain a full member of both CEN and CENELEC, the European equivalents of ISO and IEC.
BSI had 8 areas of concern that led it to work towards a modification of the rules to allow it to stay involved in CEN/CENELEC should the U.K. withdraw from the European Community. Here’s the list:
- Standards provide a passport to trade.
- The European standards system has simplified the market structure in
Europe through the use of the single national standard model across
34 countries in the region. - The European standards system is neither owned by nor is it an
agency of the European Union. - The UK has significant influence in the development of European
standards. - Maintaining full UK membership of CEN and CENELEC is important
to the success of business in Europe post-Brexit. - Maintaining full CEN and CENELEC membership also brings benefits
to consumers and other public interest groups. - BSI must therefore continue as a full member of CEN and CENELEC
post-Brexit. - Standards will provide a key element underpinning future free trade
agreements between the UK and non-EU countries.
Apparently, until now the administrative rules governing CEN and CENELEC required membership in the European Union. This solution has needed a 100% in favor vote from the existing stakeholders. The positive outcome for BSI represents a political success as well as a pragmatic one.
How does this affect Document Center Inc. customers and other standards users? BS EN standards will remain valid for use when trading with the European Union. So any collection of BS EN standards used in your company can be left in place without worry.
Additionally, I would mention that at the recent ISO General Assembly in Geneva, there was much discussion of the role of standards and standardization in continuing the trend towards global free trade in spite of current political rhetoric. This vote within the European standards bodies reflects the desire of many in our community to foster larger global goals. After all, some of the most fundamental reasons for standards rest securely in the domain of public safety and well-being. This development will surely bring a sigh of relief to many.
BSI has a press release and earlier position paper you can review to learn more. If you have further questions, please get in touch with us. We can be reached at info@document-center.com or by phone at 650-591-7600. Should you want to review the status of any of your EN standards, please search on our website www.document-center.com. We track and sell over a million standards for you. As you can see, Document Center Inc. is committed not only to providing you with standards, but also the information you need to use your standards collection with confidence. Make us your Standards Experts!
