ISO 10393 to Address Consumer Product Recalls
June 25, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is developing a standard that is designed to provide a code of practice for establishing, implementing and managing consumer product recall programs, including corrective actions.
Project committee ISO/PC 240 - Product recall decided on a publication target of 2012 for ISO 10393.
ISO/PC 240 also resolved to harmonize efforts with other ISO committees developing standards for consumer product safety (ISO/PC 243), anti-counterfeiting (ISO/PC 246) and combating fraud (ISO/TC 247).
The committee extended a call for interested parties wishing to participate through the ISO member of their respective country.
About 12 countries participate in ISO/PC 240 and an additional four have observer status. Among its members, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and South Africa were present at the first meeting in May to discuss the product recall standard.
ISO/PC 240, Product recall was established following an initiative of ISO Committee on Consumer Policy of the ISO (COPOLCO), which noted that ineffective product recalls of damaged or unsafe products resulted in millions of people being injured - sometimes fatally - or becoming ill.
"A market-oriented international standard on product recall will help to protect consumers and users from fatalities, injuries and financial loss caused by flawed products, but it will also help businesses to save time and money and reduce related legal risks," said Doug Geralde, director of corporate audits and investigations, Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
The standard will help organizations plan and execute product recalls following design flaws, manufacturing defects or inadequate warning labels or instructions, whether the products are still in the manufacturer's or distributor's inventory or retail shelves or in the hands of consumers.
It will also provide guidance on corrective actions including repair, placement, repurchase and public notice, helping organizations to minimize legal risks and contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty, according to the ISO.
The work of ISO/PC 240 will apply to consumer products, including electrical and gas household appliances.
The projected standard will be useful for manufacturers, retailers, importers, testing organizations, providers of third-party recall services, legal firms, government regulators and consumers/safety organizations, ISO experts said.
Source: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).