Benefits of Standards

As consumers, we all benefit from the work carried out in the sphere of standardization. The technological advancement and sophistication in production processes have increased the variety of goods and products available to the consumer. This has led standard bodies and certification agencies to provide safeguards and assurances that the products that we buy meet the minimum acceptable standards. In this way, standards serve to protect the consumer and ensure satisfaction.

Consumer protection programmes benefit from standards that contain realistic, practical and meaningful, health, safety and performance requirements.

Consumer goods are made to be used by the consumer and therefore they need to be represented and consulted in the development of the standard. To ensure this, the Specification Committee should have at least one member representing the interests of the consumers. This provides them with the opportunity to influence the development of the standard.

Benefits of standards

• Establishment of the level of quality, thereby allowing products to be evaluated and compared;
• Streamlined production and improved manufacturing processes;
• Increased productivity and enhance efficiency;
• Reduced costs for consumers;
• Provision of the basis for trade transactions;
• Minimization of waste;
• They ensure safety and performance;
• They ensure products and services perform their necessary functions;
• They facilitate interchangeability of products and services designed for the same purpose.