Cooperation on standardization topics of common interest to SCC and CEN-CENELEC

Sector: Standardization

Canadian Lead: Standards Council of Canada (SCC)

European Lead: CEN & CENELEC (European Committee for (electrotechnical) Standardization)

Issue: Cooperation on standardization topics of common interest to SCC and CEN-CENELEC

SCC and CEN-CENELEC renewed their cooperation agreement in 2019 to strengthen their cooperation in standardization. Building on this agreement, SCC and CEN-CENELEC are exploring opportunities to undertake a cooperative initiative under the framework of the RCF.

This cooperation is focused on the interface between regulations and standards and relates specifically to the development, adoption, and implementation of standards, including international standards, in Canada and Europe.

This cooperation aims to deepen mutual understanding, support the sharing of expertise, perspectives, and best practices, as well as to promote transparency and predictability in the development and implementation of standards. In determining potential areas for specific and direct cooperation, this work may identify new ways for SCC and CEN-CENELEC to cooperate on specific topics.

Update:

In June 2021, SCC and CEN-CENELEC have identified two cooperation areas of interest to both CEN-CENELEC and SCC in which the partners will work together: circular economy and hydrogen technology. These topics were presented during the last RCF co-chairs check-in meeting held on 24 June 2021.

In the short-term, SCC and CEN-CENELEC have committed to plan and hold two sessions, one on circular economy and the second on hydrogen. During these sessions, we plan to discuss our respective initiatives, our participation in international standards development, the current standardization trends and challenges in these areas, as well as consider the role and impact of key stakeholders (such as government regulators, industry, environmental and societal stakeholders and other technical experts). These sessions may point SCC and CEN-CENELEC to specific initiatives where there is mutual benefit to cooperating on a specific piece of work or deliverable.

The results of these sessions will be presented at the first RCF meeting following their completion.