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Participate in the standardization process

NSAI Standards endeavour to ensure all relevant stakeholders should have access to and ability to participate in the standardization process. The engagement of stakeholders in the standardization process is an essential part of the standards process and the earlier that stakeholders can be engaged in new work items and new fields of activity at the national level, the more effective the national consultation on the proposals for new work will be. The engagement of stakeholders at the new work proposal stage will have a positive impact on the stakeholder engagement throughout the standard development process.

  • Engaging stakeholders and building consensus (pdf)

Stakeholders

NSAI Standards encourages the participation of consumers and consumer representatives in standards development work where relevant. In cases where standards are being developed to support EU or national regulation to protect consumers, this is particularly important. Currently NSAI is actively engaged in the development of many standards which will contribute to the protection of the consumer. Examples include standards for horse riding helmets, carbon monoxide alarms, guide dog training, beautician services and e-cigarettes. 

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 
 

NSAI are committed to supporting 3rd level institutes and associated libraries by providing access to the National Standards Database. For details on the cost of access contact Kieran Cox.

NSAI also provides free guest lectures to raise the awareness in relation to standards and standardization.

See the full range of activities and services offered by NSAI Standards as Education Sector Support.

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 

NSAI Standards encourages the participation of environmental groups in standards development work where relevant. In cases where standards are being developed to support related EU or national regulation, this is particularly important. Currently NSAI is actively engaged in the development of many standards which will contribute to sustainability, better use of energy and managing climate change.

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 

NSAI Standards encourages the participation of national regulators and state agencies in standards development work where relevant. In cases where standards are being developed to support EU or national regulation, this is particularly important.

NSAI facilitates the engagement of many national regulators and agencies in national and international standards development work ranging from e-procurement, electronic cigarettes,  gas technical standards, construction, to health and safety and consumer protection. 

If you are a regulator and wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 
               
Standards  referenced in legislation

Many national and EU regulators use standards as part of their regulatory framework. Example of standards referred to in regulation are given below. However regulation is continuously updated and the primary reference for determining if a standard is referenced or if a standard is mandatory, is the regulation itself. 

NSAI Standards is responsible for notification of technical regulation and standards and is appointed by the Irish State as the Authority responsible for notification of notification of national standards work and notifications of regulation.

Relevant information:

Standards encourage innovation and growth and help bridge the gap between research and global market impact. They build customer trust and confidence in new innovative solutions, enabling faster mass-market adoption of new technologies, products and services.

The development of standards can help address issues to promote successful commercialisation of new products. Standards create a common framework for innovation by defining common vocabularies, establishing the essential characteristics of a product or service, and by identifying the best practices that will ensure successful outcomes. This can make a tangible difference to the success of innovative businesses. 

Learn and understand that by engaging in Research and Innovation standards development activities, with leading international experts and knowledge-networks, you stay ahead of the curve in your technical area and help set-the-standards for new and emerging technologies, products and services.

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 

NSAI Standards encourages the participation of societal groups in standards development work where relevant. In cases where standards are being developed to support related EU or national regulation, this is particularly important.

Currently NSAI is actively engaged in the development of many standards which may be of relevance to employee representatives.

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch. 

To support the continuing contribution of SMEs to the Irish economy NSAI Standards provide information on the benefits of implementing standards for their businesses. Participation in the standards development process allows SMEs to have a direct say on Irish, European and international standards being developed that shape the market in which they operate.

NSAI understands that investing in standards can be a time consuming process however we believe standards are an investment that can reap rewards such as global recognition and credibility. This can instil confidence in the existing customers of a business resulting in retention as well as attracting new opportunities.

Ten benefits to SMEs in implementing standards

  • Help you compete on a level playing field with bigger enterprises.
  • Open up export markets for your products and services.
  • Help you discover best business practices.
  • Drive efficiency in your business operations.
  • Add credibility and confidence for your customers.
  • Open new business opportunities and sales.
  • Give you the competitive edge.
  • Reduce business risks.
  • Help your company grow.
  • Enable a common “language” to be used across an industry sector.

If you wish to know more, please Register Your Interest and a member of the NSAI Standards Team will be in touch.