UNSC/IEC TAGs - Annex C: Procedure for USNC Coordination of Subject Matter of Interest to Two or More Technical Committees or Subcommittees
Systems Approach
The fundamental strength of the IEC over the decades has been the quality and market acceptance of its technology-based product standards and specifications, standards that also are the reference in the Commission’s conformity assessment schemes. The need for such product or product family standards will continue for the foreseeable future and the IEC must maintain its efforts, and its reputation, in this traditional area of pre-eminence.
The multiplicity of technologies and their convergence in many new and emerging markets, however particularly those involving large-scale infrastructure – now demand a top-down approach to standardization, starting at the system or system-architecture rather than at the product level. System standards are also increasingly required in sectors such as environment, safety, and health. Although the introduction of such processes in the IEC began some years ago, a major effort is now required to improve understanding of them and to widen their application. It will be necessary to take account of the implied need for increased co-operation with many other standards developing organizations, as well as with relevant non-standards bodies in the international arena. There will also be implications for the IEC’s conformity assessment systems and processes.
- When an IEC or national document is posted by the Central Office on which a U.S. position is needed and it is of interest to two or more TCs/SCs, its availability will become known to those TAG Officers and members of interested TAGs, who sign up for notification by communication tools such as IEC NEWDOC and MY IEC. The related Group Managers and the Technical Advisors will inform the USNC General Secretary of known interested committees.
- If a TAG has an interest in a document for which it is not the primary, the primary TAG shall be notified and asked to acknowledge and record the continuing interest of the other TAG(s).
- A decision may be made by the TAGs involved to establish a Joint Task Force consisting of representatives of each of the TAGs to develop a draft USNC position for the consideration and approval of the TAGs within the required timeframe.
- The representatives of the interested TAGs will be asked to send their comments on the document to the representative of the “primary” TAG. That representative will consider and collate the comments, and taking them into account, will establish a proposed USNC position onthe subject matter. Copies of this proposed position will be sent to all the representatives who commented, and to the General Secretary of the USNC. The representative of the primary committee will call a meeting of interested persons where this may be constructive.
- Any TAG, having made substantive comments, that is not satisfied with the proposed position will promptly notify the General Secretary of the USNC, the Group Manager, and the Joint Task Force who prepared the position, giving specific reasons for the objection.
- The General Secretary of the USNC and the Group Manager will attempt to bring about resolution by correspondence or by meetings and, failing to do so, will promptly notify the President and the TMC of the USNC for necessary action.
- In the event a comment cannot be supported by a consensus of the TAGs, it will be withdrawn. In the event a vote cannot be supported by a consensus of the TAGs, the USNC will file an abstention.
Note 1: This procedure may also be utilized when coordination with U.S. TAGs for ISO TCs/SCs is desired.
Note 2: If the USNC is not a Participating Member, contact the USNC Office for guidance.
Note 3: Communicate with the USNC Office for guidance when necessary.