NORMAPME influences International and European standardisation via its membership in ISO, CEN, CENELEC & ETSI and thanks to the recognition of our SME representation by the European Commission.

We are consulted on regular basis by the European Commission on European standardisation and conformity policies. In this framework, we write position papers, such as the one on modular approach. Also, informed on draft mandates we can comment and influence them. In addition, we take part in sectoral committees, like the European Construction Standing Committee. This allows us to effectively provide input for European sectoral policies.

In the ESO framework, our different statutes based on each ESO structure permit various types of interventions.

At CEN, as associate member, we are observer in the General Assembly and the Board. In addition, we participate in the Bureau Technique (BT) in charge of defining the standardisation strategy of CEN.

We are a cooperating organisation of CENELEC. We take part in the General Assembly and the Board as observer. We are also invited to attend technical Board meetings.

We are an ETSI full member. This allows us to take part in all ETSI activities and gives us the right to vote. We provide input for European telecommunication standardisation policy via an active participation in the General Assembly and in the Board where one of the NORMAPME staff members has been elected in 2005 for a 3 year term.

Current lobbying campaigns

The European law is a basis for the standardisation activities and functioning of SMEs. Therefore we submit our amendments to the drafts of the new and revised legislative acts that could affect standardisation, certification or marketing of products. This activity requires constant communication with our members as well as the European Commission, Parliament and Council. At present we are involved in the writing of legislation in the following domains:

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After stakeholder consultation, in which NORMAPME took part, in February 2007 the European commission presented the three following proposals to the European Parliament (EP) and the Council regarding the marketing principles of products (including CE marking) in Europe:

These proposals were handled first by the IMCO committee in the EP. During the process that ended by the vote of the reports of Mr Brie and Ms Shaldemose, NORMAPME has met different Members of the EP in order to raise SME concerns. We will continue to meet them until the vote in plenary session that is scheduled for January 2008.

Meanwhile, the proposals were dealt with by the Council. Hence, NORMAPME has contacted National representations backed by our members' actions at National level.

The decision will influence sectors falling under New Approach Directives (CE marked products), like construction and toys.

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• Construction Products

The construction sector is strategically important for Europe providing building and infrastructure on which all sector of the economy depend.

Prior to preparing a legislative proposal to simplify the Directive, in 2006 the Commission (EC) launched a consultation of interested stakeholders (like NORMAPME and its members) on important features of the Directive, the modification / suppression of which should make this legislative tool more simple and transparent, improve its effectiveness, and reduce the costs of its implementation.

Mid 2007, a draft document was presented to the main stakeholders. Normapme commented this proposal.

Based on these inputs, the EC is finalising the proposal that should be submitted to the European parliament and the Council early 2008.

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• Toys

The total toy market is estimated in 17.3 billion euro at retail prices in 2002, which total imports amounting to over 9 billion euro. The European toy industry employs over 100,000 people directly and there are over 2000 companies operating in the toy and games sector. Most of them are small and medium sized enterprises. Some of the European regions in which toy companies are concentrated are the Jura in France, the province of Alicante in Spain and the Black Forest in Germany. There are toy industries also in some regions in the enlargement candidate countries.

Although the revision of the Toy Directive was in the pipeline, the process has speeded up following the Mattel cases of summer 2007 and the European Parliament communication urging the European Commission to revise this directive.

The final proposal was published on 25/01/2008 and NORMAPME is now preparing its comments.

For more information please contact Ms Vanessa Pereira

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