7 TRADE POLICY B


SI’s position as a leader in international standards development presents a strategic opportunity for the UK government as it negotiates


trade deals around the world. BSI has for many decades looked


outward to collaborate with other countries on standards development. The UK hosted the preliminary meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in London in 1906 and BSI is a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which met for the first time in London in 1946. Many of the world’s most used international standards started out as British Standards, including quality and environmental management systems, occupational health and safety, asset and risk management, anti-bribery and information security. Today, the UK national standards collection is comprised of around 85% international and European standards, with 95% of current standards development activity focusing on international and European standards. The advantage of taking an ‘international first’ approach is reflected in the leadership the UK enjoys in international standards bodies such as ISO where the UK has the most participating members in committees of any other country. Globally, the UK is in the top three countries that hold international secretariats and it makes a huge contribution in terms of technical content. It also holds the third highest number of


“We see UK leadership in the international standards system as a strategic asset for UK trade policy, one which can strengthen the UK’s position in trade


negotiations” Peter Sissons


committee secretariats in the European standards system. Through BSI’s membership of the international and European standards organizations, UK stakeholders are able to influence global trading conditions by developing the international standards they need to deliver better safety, quality and choice of products and services. “We export our standards to the world, maximizing UK soft power, driving better business, securing innovation and creating direct competitive advantage,” said Peter Sissons, Head of International Engagement at BSI.


The international character of the catalogue of British Standards, developed by UK stakeholders, helps equip UK business, including SMEs, for international trade. BSI is able to support the expansion of UK global influence by bringing new standards to ISO and IEC in emerging business areas such as electric vehicles and AI. This influence also ensures that UK consumers and


societal stakeholders such as NGOs have real influence over the content of standards that determine the technical terms of trade across the globe. “We see UK leadership in the international


standards system as a strategic asset for UK trade policy, one which can strengthen the UK’s position in trade negotiations,” said Peter. “BSI and its stakeholders across business, trade associations, professional institutions, consumer groups, societal groups and academia can bring deep knowledge and expertise to the government in this area. “Knowing how standards are used in


Peter Sissons


target markets will help to provide clear and robust negotiating positions. We can unlock the potential of the UK’s leadership in this area by reaching agreement on the use of international standards in trade deals. Through our established bilateral


relationships and programmes, including the Commonwealth Standards Network, we are uniquely positioned to see the value that standards bring to economies around the world.”


The UK government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy recommended a strategic focus on Regulatory Diplomacy. The policy aims to bring together governments, standards bodies and industry to influence rules, norms and standards – particularly in rapidly evolving technological areas, and BSI has been working extremely closely with Government departments on this initiative. “Our prime position in the international


standards system means we are ideally placed to help, and it demonstrates the importance that government attaches to standards as a global influencing tool,” said Peter.


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