New Developments in China Related to Social Responsibility

NEW YORK, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since its publication by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2010, ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility, has garnered much discussion and attention in the United States. Its potential implications for the way companies do business around the globe have caused many stakeholders to provide considerable feedback.

The U.S. has recently learned that China is conducting research in consideration of a potential national standard and certification program for social responsibility (SR) that may be based on the ISO 26000 guidance document. If this effort moves forward, compliance with the Chinese program may become either mandated or encouraged by the Chinese government for companies doing business in China.

In November 2011, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) received a delegation from the China Certification and Accreditation Association (CCAA) and China National Accreditation Service (CNAS) [see related news item].  The delegation made visits to North America and Europe to explore existing programs for social responsibility and investigate similar opportunities for adaption to the Chinese market. The CCAA/CNAS delegation that visited ANSI indicated they were interested in feedback and input from U.S. stakeholders, and would be open to U.S. input and suggestions as they carry out their research.

ANSI will be holding a public meeting for interested U.S. stakeholders on Monday, April 2, 2012, at 2 p.m. to provide a briefing about recent developments in China and to provide an opportunity for U.S. interests to share information and perspectives relating to social responsibility standardization in China. 

The meeting will be held at ANSI's headquarters in Washington, DC, on a first come, first served basis, with teleconference option available. 

CCAA is an association in China for the conformity assessment industry, representing accreditation and certification bodies. CNAS is China's national accreditation body and national member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Both CCAA and CNAS are quasi-governmental organizations under Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA), which falls under the Chinese ministry the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ). In addition to their other responsibilities, both CCAA and CNAS undertake research projects for various PRC ministries on topics related to standards and certification.

For further information, or to RSVP, contact ANSI's director of international development Elise Owen at [email protected].

About ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.

The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

SOURCE American National Standards Institute