Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/921608
W EEKLY EDITION JAN 3, 2018 Open Comment Period on New International Standard for Non - sewered Sanitation Systems …continued By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos and an ISO Briefing Document With the publication of ISO 30500, manufacturers of non - sewered sanitation systems gain from the wide range of well - established benefits that International Standards bring. First among these is the time and resource savings that go with following a tried - and tested formula agreed to by industry experts. Once the funda mentals have been taken care of, it leaves more time for further development of the features that really make a product stand out in the marketplace. Creating a level playing field among manufacturers has the twofold advantage of reassuring consumers and stimulating competitive innovations on a technically solid, industry - wide base. At the same time, International Standards are a great facilitator of cross - border trade, as they provide an internationally recognized system that favours compatibility and consistency while giving customers the reassurance of the ISO name. That same recognition is also a help when i t comes to marketing, since the ISO brand is trusted the world over. In a sector where regulations may vary significantly b y country, or even municipality, manufacturers can feel more secure with their innovation, research and development in sanitation systems. If they so choose, they can promote their systems towards the public, users and clients as being ISO 30500 certified . What Other Benefits Will the Standard Create? The new standard can also provide a sound basis for the d evelopment of national or local regulation for non - sewered systems. That's because, in common with al l ISO standards, ISO 30500 represents best pract ices and reflects the consensus of regulators, manufacturers and users from across the world. That makes International Standards a useful resource when developing regulations, and gives regulators the benefi t of the consolidated opinion of experts without having to call on their services directly. It will enable regulators and government to tap into a constantly updated source of information and experiences. And more than anyone else, it's toilet users in non - sewered areas who are going to experience the w idest benefits. The requirements of the standard will drive innovation, meaning better toilets will be available in areas where infrastructure such as plumbing and electricity are not feasible. In homes and communities, users of toilets that conform to the standard can be sure their non - sewered sanitation systems will be reliable, safe, hygienic, odour - free, and may even produce by - products that can be reused by the community. When this happens, everyone wins! PAGE 5