Using GOST Standards to Leverage Business in Russia

Doing business in Russia -- whether clearing bids or exporting new products to the country-- has for many years been a challenge due to the confusing maze of state compliance standards, issued by the Gosstandart, or GOST. Unlike international standards, which are carefully formulated through standards developing organizations (SDOs), product compliance efforts through GOST must take into account somewhat inconsistent standards development processes. Often, the original laws and codes are modified by subsequent directives, resolutions, instruction notices, other circulars issued by the government, which are sometimes more important than standards themselves.

This creates a lack of referential integrity of product standards, which is further complicated by the barrier of language, since until now, all standards documents were only printed in Russian. Prospective importers have incurred extra costs for translations of state codes, but without total confidence because there has been lingering uncertainty about the accuracy of the technical details.

With an agreement between IHS and Interstandard, the commercial arm of GOST, business ventures into Russia can now be conducted with a new clarity and confidence. IHS has worldwide distribution rights to the full set of GOST standards and related documents, both in the original Russian language versions, and in validated English translations. Like the rest of the IHS informational resources, which includes the world’s largest database of engineering content, these documents are available for delivery straight to an engineer’s desktop: whether via internet, extranet, intranet: as well as in hardcopy or DVD formats.

IHS also offers a translation validation service to those customers who have already invested in document translation of their GOST materials. For those standards without translations, custom English versions through IHS/GOST are offered upon request at a rate more than 50 percent less than the market rate for contracted technical translation.

In all cases, the English version is verified, and modified if needed, by one of more than 300 GOST organization scientific and industrial experts, ensuring the accuracy of the compliance requirements. The translated documents include the Gosstandart State Committee on Standardization, Metrology, & Certification Seal of Approval, leaving no doubt to the legal and technical content of the specifications.

The English and Russian versions of GOST standards are available in its full collection, or in 24 specialty categories. IHS clients can mix or match to suit their particular business needs. Major classifications include: aerospace engineering; chemical technology; design & construction; petroleum technology; energy; health, environment & safety; process equipment; mechanical equipment; electrical engineering; electronics; telecommunications; and metallurgy.

With the verification, translation, and database delivery of Russian trade codes, barriers to commerce are now transformed into opportunity. Understanding the process and clearing certification mandates, expediently and securely, affords a unique advantage to companies that are poised to expand into untapped foreign markets.

Russia is now enjoying a rapidly growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with robust growth in many diverse sectors, especially in the fields of medicine, agribusiness, food processing, aircraft, automotive, retail, electronics, and telecommunications. Besides a highly educated workforce, the country possesses a wealth of raw materials such as oil, gas, and metals. In 2002, Russia became the world’s largest exporter of oil. These assets, as well as recent changes to import structures which encourage conformity to world trade practices, will likely continue to integrate Russia into the global marketplace and sustain its economic growth.

With language bureaucratic barriers greatly diminished by the IHS/GOST agreement, there has never been a better time to explore the placement of your products in the Russian market. To find what GOST certification is required for your line of business, ask an expert at IHS to advise you on the latest trade developments and most cogent strategies.

Sidebar:

According to Russia’s Federal Technical Regulation Law 184-03, a Certificate of Conformity is mandatory for the following areas of commerce:

• Oil, petroleum products, gas
• Chemical and petroleum process equipment
• Engineering fasteners
• Industrial pipeline fittings
• Inorganic chemistry products, chemical mining raw materials & fertilizers
• Polymers, plastics, chemical fibers & rubber goods
• Paint, photographic, & household chemicals
• Organic synthetic products, synthetic dyes, & petroleum-, coke- & wood-chemical products
• Heavy, power & transport machine-building products
• Electric machines
• Cable products
• Mechanical components
• Heavy duty machinery
• Production equipment