Consumer Representatives

How do Consumer Representatives Influence International Standards and Trade Facilitation?

Consumer inputs into the development of International standards and policies of standards development help facilitate trading of safer products.

Developing countries have tools to prevent their countries from becoming dumping grounds for unsafe products (both for people and environment health).

Through market relevant international standards – consumers have vast product range to choose from and better quality and better redress mechanisms in the era of globalisation, cross border movement of products and services and the Internet of Things.

By Participating (actively in ISO COPOLCO and international standardization work) consumer representatives are able to :

  • Influence national policies to improve standards and quality of locally produced / manufactured products and services
  • Ensure requirements in the International Standards do not pose barriers to trade / increase production cost / deprive domestic consumers of safer products / more environment friendly products / services