Canada-U.S. Standards Harmonization: Collaborating to Enhance Benefits for Business and Consumers

OTTAWA, May 7, 2015 /CNW/ - The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost North American trade and competitiveness that will generate a range of benefits for manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

As emerging nations gain an increasingly influential international voice, Canada and the United States need to work together more than ever before to represent shared interests. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SCC and ANSI recognizes the importance of standards and certification requirements to support the economic growth and competitiveness of exporters from both nations.

Through this agreement, SCC and ANSI have made a commitment to ensure that national standards do not present technical barriers to trade, as well as to exchange information and facilitate collaboration between Canadian and U.S. standardization experts.  

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"I strongly believe in Canada and the U.S. working together and achieving not only bilateral progress, but regional progress and international progress," said Joe Bhatia, President and CEO at ANSI. "An MOU between ANSI and SCC is an excellent step toward strengthening goals and enhancing communication related to areas of standardization and conformity assessment."

"SCC and ANSI are working together to break down barriers between Canada and the US. This MOU is a pivotal step toward making progress on joint Canada-US standards, testing and certification procedures," said SCC CEO John Walter. "The reduction of duplicative standards, testing and certification requirements between our two countries will enhance our competitiveness."

About the American National Standards Institute
ANSI is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. For more information, visit www.ansi.org.

About the Standards Council of Canada
SCC, a Crown corporation and part of the Industry Canada portfolio, leads and facilitates the development and use of national and international standards and accreditation services, in order to enhance Canada's competitiveness and well-being. For additional information visit www.scc.ca.

SOURCE Standards Council of Canada

Christine LaRocque, Manager, Communications, Standards Council of Canada, [phone] ext. 462, [email protected]