Standards: Today’s Trade Barriers Are Tomorrow’s Global Markets

Andrew Grebe, Manager of Metallurgy and Quality Assurance, The Tex-Tube Company

1/01/2005
(Original Publish Date: 2000)

In this paper, the author examines standardization not just as a technical topic, but as a critical business issue with wide-ranging implications. He defines several types of standards, and examines the methods by which they are achieved. He addresses the positive and negative implications of accelerated, or "fast track" standard-setting, and the impact of standards on the global market. Finally, he suggests strategic initiatives for U.S. standards development and recognition. He argues, "the grand objective is the consolidation of all the common markets," and "the increase in the visibility of U.S. standards is critical."