Standards as a ticket to successful international trade

Standards contribute directly to organisations’ competitiveness. They have a positive impact not only nationally, but also internationally. They promote free movement and make it easier for foreign companies or consumers to access your products or services.

Standards facilitate your exports

Both the (international) literature and the recent VUB study commissioned by NBN confirm this. No fewer than 38.3 percent of respondents cited improved market access as a reason for using standards. And why is that?

Standards create a common language between trading partners

A standard is a consensus agreement for society and for the economy. It contains clear agreements about a product, service, process or method. A guarantee, therefore, of compatibility at a national, European or international level. By implementing standards, your (future) trading partner knows what they can expect from you. This can speed up their decision-making process when choosing to work with you.

Standards encourage interoperability of goods and services

Going one step further, do your products or services require CE marking or ISO certification? Then you remove any obstacles up front. That means you can be part of international supply chains, resulting in higher performance and lower costs. And that strengthens your competitive advantage. 

European standards: opportunities for exports to other European countries

Of all the standards published in Belgium, 75% are European standards. All countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) are obliged to implement European standards as national standards. In other words, 75% of all standards published in Belgium are identical to those of more than 30 countries! This creates enormous opportunities for your exports within Europe.

Standards as a trade passport

European standards are known for their high quality standards. As a result, they also enjoy wide recognition in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. A good example of this is the Belgian company Safety Product. The organisation started working on European standards and a CE mark for its products several years ago. Today, they export their steel poles for street lighting to 13 European countries as well as to Uruguay and Qatar.

Standards are your international trade passport. They provide you with easier access to new customers and collaboration opportunities - worldwide. The potential is enormous.

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