| Website: | https://www.sbs-sme.eu/ |
| Organisation: | SMALL BUSINESS STANDARDS (SBS) |
| Contact: | Contact this portal member |
SBS SME Compatibility Test for Standards
Small Business Standards (SBS) has developed a methodology to assess the SME compatibility of standards. Standards need to be compatible with the needs and characteristics of SMEs to ensure that standards support their growth and do not create unnecessary burdens to them. If standards meet the needs of SMEs they are also more likely to be adopted by them.
The SME Compatibility Test builds on CEN-CENELEC Guide 17 “Guidance for writing standards taking into account micro, small and medium-sized enterprises needs” which provides advice to standards makers on how to develop SME-compatible standards.
The test is the starting point for possible improvements to a standard if it appears that it does not apply to smaller businesses.
The SME Compatibility Test can be applied at any stage of the process of the development of a standard (enquiry, approval, etc.) and to all types of standards whatever the source, i.e. international (ISO and IEC), European (example: EN) or national. The test’s criteria focus on the standard itself, the way it is written, its impact on SMEs and ease of implementation.
If you have any suggestions or comments regarding the assessment method, the test’s structure or content, please write to the secretariat at info@sbs-sme.eu.
Mihaela Andreea David is a junior professional in European project management and the coordinator of SBS (Small Business Standards) working group Sustainability.
She represents SBS in standardisation working groups such as the CEN and CLC/BTs/BTWG 3 "Standardization, Innovation and Research (STAIR), CEN and CLC/BTs/BTWG 16 "Strategic Advisory Body on Environment (SABE)", and CEN and CLC/BTs/BTWG 16/CE-TG "Topic Group Circular Economy".