They level the playing field and promote fair competition by requiring all suppliers to meet similar requirements. Standards hasten the implementation of new technology and reduce development costs. And they break down barriers to trade, provide stability to an industry, and encourage trade in commerce. The purpose of a standard is not to make all things the same, or to discourage product differentiation, but to manage the differences and enable cost-effective and safe compatibility of electrical products. The rapid evolution of technology and the growing dependence of businesses on the international market make standardization that much more important and the mission of standards development organizations that much more critical.
Standards are a market-responsive phenomenon, both nationally and globally.
International standards, developed through a worldwide consensus process, describe requirements that meet the needs of global markets. Products manufactured in compliance with these standards assure the customer of a product that is available globally, delivered locally, competitively priced, and able to perform predictably. The convergence of technology and markets is increasing global competition and accelerating the rate of technological change. In this environment, involvement in standardization activities in the global arena is increasingly important. Standards have to be a part of a company's strategies, and consistent with their marketing, manufacturing, and engineering strategies.