Internal Market Committee voted in favour of a draft regulation to modernise the European standarisation process. MEPs agree that using common standards reduces sales costs and helps to ensure that the EU single market works smoothly.

The draft regulation approved by the Internal Committee from the European Parliament and presented by the Commission in June 2011, aims to modernise the process whereby EU standards are developed. Companies may choose to work to these standards, which are voluntary, to ensure that their goods meet legal requirements. According to MEPs, it is needed to step up SME participation in the standardisation process, especially at national level. Without voting rights, also enable to take part organisations representing consumers, including people with disabilities or special needs, and environmental and social stakeholders.

MEPs also agreed that national standardisation organisations must withdraw any existing and conflicting national standards when a standard is developed at EU level in order to ensure consistency and avoid conflicts among standards. However, MEPs also stress that Member States remain free to decide on the development of standards in areas such as social services and public health.

According to the responsible for the report of the draft regulation, the MEP Lara Comi, this is a valid tool for social and business players because they have strengthened the rules that allow the participation of organisations representing the social interests of consumers - with due care for disabled people - unions, environmental organisations and for SMEs.