The benefits of standards for the industry are extensive. Standards help manufacturers reduce costs, anticipate technical requirements, and increase productive and innovative efficiency.
Improved market access as a result of increased competitiveness and efficiency, reduced trading costs, simplified contractual agreements, and increased quality. Better relations with suppliers and clients derived from the improved safety of consumers. An immense value for the competitiveness of enterprises working in transport, machinery, electro-technical products, or telecommunications. Easier introduction of innovative products provided by interoperability between new and existing products, services, and processes - for example in the field of eco-design, smart grids, energy efficiency of buildings, nanotechnologies, security, and eMobility. Help to bridge the gap between research and marketable products or services.
Standardisation is a key factor of trade policy. It contributes to the removal of technical barriers to trade, increases market access and international trade, and enhances cooperation at the international level. The use of standards can help the industry and SMEs to access global markets.
Standardisation has been a driving factor in the creation of the Single Market. Standards replace national technical specifications and help to eliminate technical barriers to trade.
Standardisation can make an important contribution to the development of sustainable industrial policy, unlock the potential of innovative markets, and strengthen the position of the economy. It brings a solid foundation to build and disseminate innovative technologies and enhance business practices.
Standards may define how a product is made, used, maintained and disposed of at the end of its life. They can thus have a substantial beneficial influence on the way that products and services affect the environment.