(ISO: Geneva) -- An international standard to prevent the development and marketing of products which could present health and safety risks to consumers is the goal of a new project committee (PC) from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The “ISO/PC 243 Consumer product safety” met for the first time in Toronto, Canada.

The projected standard will offer practical guidance to suppliers of consumer goods so that they can reduce risks associated with their products. It will thus increase consumer confidence while promoting trade and competitiveness.

Currently 23 countries are involved in the work of the ISO/PC 243 and more than 20 experts from Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea actively participated in the first meeting.

The scope of the standard was among the key issues discussed. In particular, participants looked at defining what constitutes a “consumer product” and whether goods such as tobacco, food, and medicine should be included or excluded.

It was suggested that the standard be developed with a wide and flexible scope in mind.

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