The United States decides how to meet EC market standards. (European Community; testing and certification standards) (includes article about National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association meeting) (Column)

The United States Decides How To Meet EC Market Standards

The U.S. Commerce Department hosts talks concerning several international trade issues.

Secretary of Commerce Robert Mosbacher and European Community Commission Vice-President Martin Bangemann have agreed to ensure that the EC's new system of testing and certification will not disadvantage U.S. exporters after 1992.

The meeting resulted in agreement that testing and quality assessment entities located in the United States will be able to perform the evaluations necessary to certify that U.S. products meet EC standards, subject to agreed conditions such as engineering competence. This arrangement will provide U.S. companies with low-cost access to the EC market after 1992.

Three main announcements were made at the June meeting, which was hosted by the Commerce Department and attended by 40 leaders of business and government from the United States and Europe.

First, the Commerce Department named the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to assure the quality of designated U.S. testing and certification centers.

Second, talks preparing for recognition of U.S. test results by the EC and for participation by the EC in the U.S. testing and certification system -- mutual recognition agreements -- could begin this fall.

Third, European and U.S. standards bodies committed to finish a major study on strengthening international standardization by the end of the …