Print this pageGovernment and standardization
This paper discusses the government's needs and objectives for the UK standardization infrastructure. It looks at concerns about the current infrastructure and opportunities for its improvement.
Its scope includes not only formal consensus standards, but also many other forms of standards and specifications in use, as well as the many bodies that prepare them in addition to the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Promoting better regulation
Standardization is a key factor in support of a number of government policies, including competitiveness, innovation, reduction of trade barriers, fair trading and protection of consumer interests, environmental protection and public procurement. Used in conjunction with health and safety and environmental legislation, standardization can also promote better regulation.
For these reasons there is a strong government interest in promoting effective standardization in the UK. Public policy is needed to compensate for market imperfections and ensure that the potential socio-economic benefits of standardization, including the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses, and worker, consumer and environmental interests, can be realized.
