ANSI Holds Fourth Workshop under U.S.-China SCCP, Announces Plans for Future Workshops

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recently organized its fourth workshop under the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)-sponsored initiative the U.S.-China Standards and Conformity Assessment Cooperation Program (SCCP). Under this program, ANSI will organize a total of 20 workshops over three years, covering a wide range of sectors and issues related to standards and conformity assessment. In November 2013, ANSI held the program's first three workshops [see related news item].

ANSI worked closely with ANSI member and audited designator ASTM International on the program's most recent event, a March 12, 2014 workshop on "U.S.-China Provisions on Environmental Administration of New Chemical Substances." During the event, industry and government representatives from both the U.S. and China exchanged information on the regulatory framework for chemicals and hazardous substances in China. Discussions focused on issues related to chemical exposure, chemical regulations in China, test methods for relevant products, and new product testing requirements, among other topics. Participants highlighted the workshop's fruitful and candid examination of how relevant standards present both obstacles and challenges to U.S. companies operating in China.

ANSI will hold the next round of U.S.-China SCCP workshops in May 2014. Information regarding each workshop's area of focus, U.S. partner, dates, and location is provided below:

• Workshop 5: Transportation safety and earthquake response management. In cooperation with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service and a number of U.S. companies, ANSI will host a workshop on earthquake response management in Chengdu on May 13-15, 2014.
• Workshop 6: Heavy haul and railway transportation. In cooperation with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service and a number of U.S. companies including Trimble Navigation, ANSI will host a workshop on heavy haul in Beijing on May 16, 2014.

UPDATE: A planned May 27 workshop on atmospheric mercury emission control has been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen complications faced by the Chinese partner.

Pictures and proceedings from the March workshop are available online. For additional information regarding the U.S.-China SCCP, including co-sponsorship opportunities for future workshops, visit the U.S.-China SCCP website or send an email to [email protected].