Business.gov.au are providing information to business owners on how different types of standards can help their businesses.
Business.gov.au defines standards as “specifications that describe ways of doing business that help make products and services safe, reliable and fit for purpose.” Business.gov.au state that the benefits of standards include, but are not limited to: the reduction of legal risks, better access to international markets and improved efficiency.
Business.gov.au are providing information on mandatory standards, voluntary standards and certifications.
Mandatory standards are compulsory standards that all businesses must follow if they operate within a particular industry or sell certain products, different standards apply for each industry and product. The ACCC are responsible for the majority of mandatory standards.
Voluntary standards are standards that generally represent best practice and are not automatic legal requirements. Non-government bodies such as Standards Australia make and are responsible for voluntary standards. Business.gov.au points out that even though voluntary standards are not automatic legal requirements, they can be compulsory to abide by under contract law or mandatory standards.
Certifications are similar to standards, however they focus more on demonstrating that products and services are of good quality, suit a particular task, were manufactured at a specific location or using a specific process and use certain ingredients or materials.