Standardization in the Americas:
Perspectives for the New Millennium
29 November - 3 December 1999

The NIST Office of Standards Services and eight private sector organizationssponsored a one-week workshop on "Standardization in the Americas: Perspectivesfor the New Millennium." The co-sponsors were: the American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI), the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), theAmerican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Intertek Testing Services(ITS), Met Laboratories, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA),the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Underwriters Laboratories(UL). Leaders from 24 national standardsbodies (NSB) in the Americas participated in panel discussions of standards-relatedissues of strategic importance. Formal lectures and candid discussions considered:1) the changing role of NSBs; 2) enhancement of standards development activitiesand support mechanisms; 3) distribution of standards and related copyright issues;4) industry support; 5) voluntary standards and technical regulations; 6) effectiveparticipation at the international level; 7) impact on trade; and 8) the roleof the regional Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT).

This highly successful workshop gave renewed impetus to joint programs andcooperative activities among industry ,government agencies, and standards organizations throughout the Americas insupport of mutual objectives and establishment of the Free Trade Area of theAmericas. Through a continuing series of workshops, NIST's Technology Servicesworks with industry and other U.S. Government agencies to address technicalissues concerning standards and conformity assessment practices, thereby eliminatingor reducing technical barriers to trade.