Standards - What every business should know

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) provides tools for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them find out about standards they need to follow in countries around the world. Enabling industry to make the most of voluntary standardization is SCC's business. SCC has numerous programs, services and resources designed to support companies of all types and sizes as they strive to secure and ensure a prosperous future. 

Summary

The Standards Council of Canada oversees the country's National Standards System and represents Canada internationally in standards matters. Globalization, competition, innovation, sustainability and accountability are just some of the many challenges of running a successful business in the 21st century. Standards and conformity assessment play a vital role in helping industry meet rapidly evolving business requirements.

Benefits of Standards for Business and Industry
Cost Savings and Increased Revenue
The use of recognized standards, whether related to the design of a specific product, the management of its production or the delivery of a service, makes businesses more efficient and cost-effective. In many cases, standardization can reduce the burden of regulatory compliance.

Expanded Markets
Increasingly, conformance to international or national standards is easing the entry of products and services into foreign and domestic markets, as well as reducing technical barriers to trade. Many international trade agreements support the use of international standards and the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results.

Innovation
Participation in standards development exposes businesses to the expertise and research of other organizations within the same industry or sector. This increased knowledge translates into enhanced designs and new ideas.

Risk Management
Standardization provides businesses with tools to better manage risk. Not only are organizations increasingly adhering to standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of their own practices and products, they are seeking out suppliers who do the same.

Confidence and Status
Standardization is a means for organizations of all types and sizes to demonstrate social and environmental responsibility in their business practices. This can positively impact public perception and consumer confidence.

Competitive Edge
Active participation in standards-related activities equips businesses with relevant information on emerging trends and changing practices, and also translates into a business advantage

Make SCC's Web Site Your Partner
At the Standards Council of Canada, you will find a vast body of standards information, including:

• ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 fact sheets and articles;
• databases of Canadian, foreign and international standards; accredited labs, certification and registration organizations and regulatory information from around the world;
• standards development forums;
• news and publications;
• links to the world's other leading standards sites;
• articles on influential new standards;
• trends in international standardization; and
• developments related to testing, certification and registration.

Quebec Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Standards Council of Canada
Suite 200
270 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 6N7
Telephone: 613-238-3222
Fax: 613-569-7808
E-mail: info@scc.ca
Web site: http://www.scc.ca/en/index.shtml