ANSI CIF helps consumers engage in standardization
The
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a
new brochure on the benefits of consumer involvement in standards development, and how standards development organizations can facilitate their participation.
Involving Consumers: Why and how - Practical guidance for standards development bodies provides national standards bodies and other standards development organizations with practical guidance on why and when to engage consumers; the added value of their participation; how to organize participation effectively; and what it means to be a consumer representative. The brochure also describes ISO's
Committee on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO), funding and training of consumer representatives, and resources and links for further study. Twenty-four case studies show how these different issues have been addressed, especially in a national or regional context. As the U.S. member of ISO, the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) maintains a
Consumer Interest Forum (CIF), which works to promote consumer involvement in standardization and active engagement in ISO COPOLCO. Those interested in getting involved in the CIF should contact James McCabe, ANSI senior director, standards facilitation (
[email protected]).
