The Committee on Consumer Policy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently concluded its 25th anniversary meeting with a recommendation for ISO to develop new work on international standards in the field of second-hand goods. COPOLCO’s consideration of this issue — an initiative launched by Consumers International — included a survey of COPOLCO members and members of ISO’s Committee on Developing Country Matters. The survey results indicated that the increasing trade in second-hand goods supported the need for international guidelines relating to health, safety, product information and environmental impact. Specific product areas of concern were identified as used tires, used vehicles, used electrical appliances, tools, machinery and equipment, and used clothing. A report produced by the COPOLCO ad hoc group on second-hand goods suggested that the proposed ISO standards would serve to supplement national regulations, particularly in developing and transitional economies where consumer protection laws may be less developed or non-existent.

On the Web — Art and International Law

The National Art Materials Trade Association has redesigned its Web site. The improved site provides simplified navigability that includes a site search engine and site map, as well as better-integrated access to the “Find A NAMTA Retailer” and “Members Only” areas. Additionally, an enhanced “NAMTA Employment Connection” allows members to post career opportunities not only on the NAMTA website, but also in the searchable employment database at Flipdog.com.

The WTO Analytical Index — Guide to WTO Law and Practice provides interpretation and application of findings and decisions of WTO panels, the WTO Appellate Body and other WTO bodies. You can find jurisprudence or decisions of competent bodies by agreement/article or index of terms (“anti-dumping,” “footwear,” “like products,” “notification procedure”).

Certification for Metalworking Fluid Expertise

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers is establishing a certification program for metalworking fluid expertise. The new certification exam program is expected to be available to qualified applicants starting in 2005. The program is intended to certify engineers and other technical professionals in fluid management practices as they pertain to metal removal processes. To achieve certification, applicants would be required to have work experience in the areas involving metalworking fluids and pass the STLE metalworking fluids certification exam.

Medical Devices Conference

The ASM Materials and Processes for Medical Devices Conference, cosponsored by ASTM Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices, will be held Aug. 25-27, 2004, in St. Paul, Minn. The conference focuses on applied materials, processes, product performance and new technologies. Papers are currently being solicited; the deadline for abstract submission is Jan. 15, 2004.

NEMA’s Kitzantides Elected IEC Vice President

Frank Kitzantides, vice president of the U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission, and vice president of engineering at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has been elected vice president of the IEC. He will chair the Standardization Management Board, the IEC decision-making body responsible for the management of standards work, including the creation, dissolution, and scope of the IEC technical committees, the timeliness of standards production, and liaisons with other international organizations. Kitzantides has been a member of the SMB and its predecessor, the Committee of Action, for 16 years, and has been active in the IEC since 1979. //

Copyright 2003, ASTM