| Development of Standards Voluntary Product Standards (VPS) published bythe U.S. Department of Commerce are developed under procedures publishedby the Department in Part 10, Title 15, of the Code of Federal Regulations . The purpose of these standardsis to establish nationally recognized requirements for productsand to provide all concerned interests with a basis for common understandingof the characteristics of a product. The National Institute of Standardsand Technology (NIST) administers the VPS Program on a fee-for-service basis. Role of NIST NIST acts as an unbiased coordinator in the development of these standards, provides editorial assistance in their preparation, supplies such assistance and review as is required to assure their technical soundness and to seek satisfactory adjustment of valid points of disagreement. NIST also determines compliance with the criteria of the Department's procedures, provides secretarial functions for VPS Committees appointed under DOC procedures, and publishes the standards as public documents. Role of Others Producers, distributors, users, consumers, and other interested groups contribute to the establishment of Voluntary Product Standards by initiating and participating in their development, providing technical or other comments as appropriate, promoting the use of and support for the standards, and assisting in keeping the standards current with respect to advancing technology and marketing practices. Use of DOC Voluntary Product Standards The use of DOC Voluntary Product Standards is voluntary. NIST has no regulatory power in the enforcement of their provisions; however, since the standards represents a consensus of all interested groups, their provisions are likely to become established as trade customs. In addition, when a Voluntary Product Standard is made a part of a legal document, such as a sales contract or code, compliance with the standard is enforceable. Benefits of Voluntary Product Standards The benefits derived from Voluntary Product Standards are in direct proportion to their general recognition and actual use. Producers and distributors whose products meet the requirements of a Voluntary Product Standard may refer to the standard in advertising and on labels to promote greater public understanding for confidence in their products. At times, purchasers may order products conforming to the requirements of a Voluntary Product Standard. For copies of the Voluntary Product Standards procedures or for more information concerning the development and use of these standards, contact: David Alderman
Standards Coordination and Conformity Group
NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 2150
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2150
tel: 301-975-4019
fax: 301-975-4715
e-mail: david.alderman@nist.gov | 