ARGE RAISED CONCERNS WITH CEN – WHAT ARE YOURS?

ARGE recently attended a meeting with representatives from CEN and the European Commission, as a result ARGE believe positive steps are now being taken to improve the way product standards are developed and introduced.

It’s no secret that ARGE members have been concerned over the past 2 years regarding delays to the introduction of key product standards within TC33/WG4, which are preventing these standards from keeping pace with changes in our industry. So much so that we were beginning to question the benefits of supporting CEN standards.

To try and tackle this we met  with ARGE, CEN and European Commission representatives this September in Brussels to discuss our concerns. In particular we used the meeting to highlight how progress on several product standards, which are currently delayed, could be “freed up”. Further discussion was also held around the overall standardisation process, which we feel is in need of an update.

You’ll be pleaesd to know that the discussions were frank and positive and resulted in some tangible actions. 

So, here’s what we agreed:

1. Complying with the revised answer to the mandate will now be handled on a standard by standard basis. This will allow key standards (eg EN 12209, 15685, 1935 etc) to be treated separately. CEN agreed to prioritise the sign-off of the draft standards to allow them to go forward for publication without further delay.

2. It was recognized that the administrative service provided by the TC33 Secretariat needs to be improved. It was agreed that where administrative issues threatened to cause undue delays then they should be referred to Gonçalo Ascensao, Programme Manager, who will undertake to address those issues.

3. It was recognized that CEN Working Group Conveners would also benefit from a better understanding of CEN processes. It was agreed that Giancarlo Bedotti, CEN Consultant, would lead a workshop with ARGE technical/standardisation personnel and conveners to explain how CEN operated.

We believe the outcome of this meeting is great news for the industry and shows how ARGE can actively support its members interests and deliver real value. But what do you think?

Are you pleased with the progress that has been made so far? Using ARGE as a direct channel of communication with CEN what else would you like to see addressed? 

Post your comments here and don’t forget to follow us on Linked In where you can also leave comments.