Suppliers Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) and Standardization Michel de Vecchis Director, Standardization Telecom Product Division Cables & Components Sector I.T. Symposium, Geneva, 16 th July 1999.

2 SDoC and Standardization Reduction of Technical Barriers to Trade –One Standard : the International Standard –One Test : the Mutual Recognition Agreement –Simple and reliable certification : the Suppliers Declaration of Conformity

3 One Standard Use of International Standards every time it is possible (ISO, IEC, ITU) –International Standards are the only ones which are recognized globally –They result from world-wide consensus –They normally offer the best available technology

4 One Standard (2) International Standards are not used similarly everywhere; they have different acceptance levels: –recommendations only in some countries –mandatory for application in Europe (consequence of Vienna and Dresden agreements)

5 One Standard (3) International Standards are sometimes not applied : –ISO Metric System A common status is needed to avoid distortions

6 One Test One shot testing with mutual recognition agreements is the most efficient way to achieve a global circulation of products –Multiple testing does not add value to a product –Multiple testing adds costs

7 One Test (2) Fair and non-discriminatory implementation of mutual recognition agreements is needed –Non recognition of accreditation bodies of the other party will jeopardize the concept –Global circulation of products is not possible if everybody does not accept the same rules

8 SDoC Suppliers Declaration of Conformity –Must be reliable to create confidence –Liability of the manufacturer : normally always valid, but not the same everywhere –Black sheep should be easily eliminated

9 SDoC (2) What is a reliable SDoC ? –Must be the same for similar products when issued by two manufacturers A and B in two countries X and Y, whatever A, B, X, Y are –Consequently, detailed conditions are linked to the status of the market The sector approach is necessary

10 SDoC (3) How to insure a fair and safe use of SDoC ? –Manufacturer liability needs to be harmonized world-wide –False SDoCs should be severely punished

11 SDoC (4) In summary what should be done to create good SDoCs ? –Requirements should be defined sector by sector, based on market status –Manufacturer liability should be harmonized world-wide –Market surveillance should be insured to detect black sheep