Industries Ask EU, US For Better Standardization in Trade

A “substantial number” of industry associations asked the European Commission to better standardize certifications and other procedures related to trade between the European Union and the U.S. to lessen complexities, according to a July 9 report from the commission.

The suggestions came after the commission, collaborating with the EU-US Executive Working Group, asked businesses and industries for ideas on how the EU and U.S. can better reach a “positive trade agenda” for both sides. During the feedback period, which ended in April, the commission received 62 submissions, including from the Chamber of Commerce in both countries and several trade associations.

The commission said several industries in the engineering, machinery and medical devices sectors that were “subject to conformity assessment” complained of the “complexity of reconciling systemic differences in EU and US standardization approaches.” The comments included suggestions on “a number of topics where their stakeholders see potential for improved cooperation,” including in transportation, construction, new technologies, manufacturing and “smart textiles,” the commission said.

The commission is holding a “stakeholder meeting” on July 9 and said “all respondents to the call for proposal and other interested stakeholders are invited for further engagement.” The commission said it plans to propose “new tracks of regulatory co-operation.”