Title
RESOLVING STANDARDS CONFLICTS KEY TO U.S.-EUROPE FOREIGN TRADE
Author
Dr. William E. Kelly
Date
1/01/2005
(Original Publish Date: 9/5/2003)
(Original Publish Date: 9/5/2003)
Abstract
One key to understanding the love-hate relationship between the United States and Europe on trade issues is appreciating the fundamental differences between the U.S. and Europea n systems of standards development and adoption. Europe is by every measure the United States' largest trading partner and in some ways the European Union's (EU) “New Approach” to standards has led to fewer standards and certification regimens for American businesses to deal with when selling in the European market. At the same time, this “New Approach” has led Europe to become more assertive within international standards forums, initiating concerns about the more closed, less transparent nature of European standards development. Th is LEGAL BACKGROUNDER will explain the background, and some of the issues, that are esse ntial to understanding and resolving these conflicts.
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