ANSI Spokesperson Says It's Possible for a Private Company to Gain Accreditation as a Standards Developer, But Not Common; Same Rules Would Apply as to Other ANSI Standards Developers
February 12, 2010

In light of the reports that Belron Technical, a division of the Belgium-based company, is seeking accreditation as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards developer, ANSI spokesperson Elizabeth Neiman advised glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine that though private companies becoming standards developers isn't common, it is possible. (CLICK HERE for related story.)

"While it is not common for a company to become a standards developer, there is nothing in ANSI's Essential Requirements that prohibits or otherwise discourages an application from a company," says Neiman.

Neiman points out that the Essential Requirements is a "procedural document that outlines the requirements for ANSI accreditation as a standards developer and for the development of American National Standards."

She says if Belron Technical does become accredited by ANSI as a standards-developer, the same rules will apply to them as any other standards-making organization, such as the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Council and the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standards (ROLAGS) Committee.

"Should Belron Technical become accredited by ANSI, they will be held to the same Essential Requirements as all other ANSI Accredited Standards Developers and will follow the same process, which has been laid down to ensure that American National Standards are developed in a manner that is equitable, accessible, and responsive," she says.

The ANSI guidelines outline several requirements for the development of an ANSI standard, as follows, according to Neiman:
- Participation must be open to all interested stakeholders;
- A balance of interests shall be sought;
- Consensus must be reached by representatives from materially affected and interested parties in an environment that is free from dominance by any party;
- Standards are required to undergo public reviews during which any member of the public may comment;
- Comments from the consensus body and public review period must be responded to in writing;
- All unresolved objections, attempts at resolution, and substantive changes to text are provided to the ANS consensus body for review prior to final vote; and
- An appeals process through the standards developer to address procedural concerns is required.

Neiman also notes that Belron Technical's application for accreditation has not yet been accepted, and is subject to a public comment review.

Those who are interested in reviewing Belron Technical's proposed operating procedures or in offering comments on their application for accreditation may do so by contacting Peg McKim, standards consultant, 176 Red Haven Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070, or by e-mail to pegm@ptd.net, with a copy to the Recording Secretary, ExSC, in ANSI's New York Office (available by fax at 212/840-2298 or e-mail to jthompso@ansi.org). Comments are due by March 8, 2010.

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