New markets for SMEs with easy access to information on standards in China and European

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) lack resources and language skills to obtain information on standards in China. This will be made easier with an upgraded Standardisation Information Platform agreed on 20 January 2010 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brussels.

With the help of the platform enterprises interested in accessing the Chinese and European markets can easily find all information they need on European and Chinese standards, whether adopted or under elaboration. The information - to a large extent in English and Chinese - is free of charge. Currently the platform exists as a pilot project. The aim of the MoU is to shape, develop and define the platform activities as well as the role of the co-operating partners. The extended services should become available in two months. The signatories were the European Commission (Directorate General Enterprise), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Standards Organisations CEN, CENELEC, ETSI, and the Standardisation Administration of China (SAC). The signing follows the launch of the platform on 16 October 2009 in Brussels and on 4 November 2009 in Beijing.

Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding:
(Seated from left to right): Ms Bergdis Ellertdottir, Deputy Secretary General, EFTA; Mr Ji Zhengkun, Administrator SAC; Mrs Françoise Le Bail, Deputy Director General, Directorate General Enterprise and Industry; Mr John Phillips, ETSI General Assembly Chairman; Mr Juan Carlos López Agüí, CEN President; Mr Carlo Masetti, CENELEC Vice President

The platform provides information on four areas/sectors: environmental protection, electrical equipment, machinery and medical devices. However, these can be extended if necessary. The European part of this platform will be managed by the European standardisation bodies CEN , CENELEC and ETSI , the Chinese part by the SAC. The platform (pilot version) can be accessed here.

The signing of the MoU is an important achievement for standardization and cements the future collaboration between CEN, CENELEC, ETSI and their Chinese Counterpart, SAC. The MoU provides a stronger foundation to facilitate trade for European industries, and promotes a better mutual understanding. The support of the European Commission and EFTA gives a strong sign towards standardization, putting it high on the political agenda, and contributing to prepare the ground for a good relationship between European and Chinese standardizers and authorities.