Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
(OP)
Has anyone had to deal with a new EN standard for their product where there are several new requirements that are unrealistic or impossible to attain?
I have been told the standard is ratified and there is no chance of changes prior to or 2 years after the effective date. It takes effect in 2 years and frankly 5 years would not be adequate time to make the changes from a practical and economic standpoint. I was told it would be reviewed in 4 years for possible changes.
So far, I have talked to 4 competitors who have been shipping their CE marked product to Europe and none have even heard of the new standard. They also will have the same problems my company has in trying to meet the new standard.
It would be good if someone has been through this and could let me know of their experiences and approach.
I have been told the standard is ratified and there is no chance of changes prior to or 2 years after the effective date. It takes effect in 2 years and frankly 5 years would not be adequate time to make the changes from a practical and economic standpoint. I was told it would be reviewed in 4 years for possible changes.
So far, I have talked to 4 competitors who have been shipping their CE marked product to Europe and none have even heard of the new standard. They also will have the same problems my company has in trying to meet the new standard.
It would be good if someone has been through this and could let me know of their experiences and approach.





RE: Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
Some standards (and it is not just confined to EN) allow you to insert clauses in your self-declaration that state what you can actually do. A lot of standards are not black/white and the grey area is where most people sit. The important point is to stipulate where you do comply and where you don't or more specifically what the user must do to ensure compliance.
RE: Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
RE: Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
This is not a "grey area" case where you can comply to part and explain where you do not comply. If you can find an equal or higher standard, you can use that. The point is that there is no equal or higher standard.
For example, a winch that has been rated at 50,000 lbs would now be downrated to 26,000 lbs unless it is completely redesigned to the new standard. Redesign will add about 25% to the weight and overall dimensions not to mention the effect on price.
I thought perhaps someone in some industry had faced this and wanted to know how they proceeded.
Thanks,
RE: Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard
Are there differences in safety factors, was there parts in the original design that weren't fully assessed?
RE: Unrealistic/Conflicting Harmonized Standard