ASSE, CSA Group release harmonized standard for pressure reducing devices in the U.S. and Canada
ASSE International and the CSA Group announced the release of ASSE 1003/CSA B356, Pressure Reducing Devices, the first of three harmonized standards of which the two standards developing organizations (SDO) recently agreed to develop jointly. The resulting standard will streamline the certification process for products seeking market in the United States and Canada by now requiring only one set of tests for both countries.
Manufacturers, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), and consumers alike all benefit from the harmonization of standards, which eliminates discrepancies — both minor and substantial — between standards developed independently of one another and specific to one nation’s requirements. When a manufacturer’s products are able to achieve simultaneous compliance for market in two countries, these savings (R&D, inventory, availability) may be passed directly to consumers. By eliminating the complication of multiple listings to multiple sets of requirements, AHJs can more easily establish compliance by dealing with fewer marks of conformity and accompanying literature.