2011-05-03 the role of standards in providing consumer protection norma mccormick chair, iso copolco
TRANSCRIPT
2011-05-03
The Role of Standards in Providing Consumer Protection
Norma McCormickChair, ISO COPOLCO
A world without standards ….??
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Consumer education: Booklet on ISO graphical symbols
Product Safety + Service Provision + Complaints Handling
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Current ISO project committees originating with COPOLCO
Network services billing, ISO/PC 239
Product recall, ISO/PC 240
Consumer product safety, ISO/PC 243
Cross-border trade of second-hand goods, ISO/PC 245
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Social responsibility (ISO 26000)
Consumers expect organizations to respect the social, economic and natural environment in which they operate
Resulted from a COPOLCO proposal on CSR in 2002
Published in November 2010
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Other priority areas for standardization
Sustainability
Energy
Climate change
Services
Societal security
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Standardization is increasingly seen as a complement or even an alternative to regulations.
Technical regulation: benefits of using standards
Standards are voluntary Standards are voluntary
Regulations are mandatoryRegulations are mandatory
Standards referenced in regulations become mandatoryStandards referenced in regulations become mandatory
AdvantagesAdvantages: use of available technical expertise, : use of available technical expertise, harmonization across jurisdictions, enhanced trade harmonization across jurisdictions, enhanced trade
e.g.: EU legislation refers to European standardse.g.: EU legislation refers to European standardse.g.: Malaysia’s laws refer to toy safety standards (ISO 8146)e.g.: Malaysia’s laws refer to toy safety standards (ISO 8146)
Standards can be incorporated into law through:Standards can be incorporated into law through:
Direct referenceDirect reference: Number and title of standard, in text of law: Number and title of standard, in text of law
Indirect referenceIndirect reference: Standard registered on a public, official list: Standard registered on a public, official list
ISO COPOLCO’S role and influence on consumer protection
COPOLCO was established in 1978 to give consumers a voice within ISO. It reports to the ISO Council.
COPOLCO’s role:
Help standards to benefit consumers
Provide consumers’ network to exchange information
Make recommendations on current and potential ISO standardization work
Advise ISO on policies and actions to respond to consumers’ needs
Information publications
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Consumers and standards: partnership for a better world
http://www.iso.org/sites/consumersStandards/index.htm
CD-ROM and tutorial
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Consumer network to exchange information ISO Consumer update - eNewsletter
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ISO Directory of consumer interest participation
