Spanish standardisation has an extraordinary influence and reputation worldwide. Spain's UNE is one of the world's most powerful standardisation bodies. It is a leading international standardisation organisation and an increasing number of Spanish standards are being used as the basis for both European and global standards.
According to a recent survey by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), standards generate up to 5% of business revenue. Importantly, according to another study by the Spanish Institute of Economic Studies (IEE), standards contribute to a 13% improvement in productivity and a 7% reduction in business costs in Spain. Also, from a macroeconomic perspective and according to several international studies, the contribution of technical standards to Spain's economic growth is estimated at 1% of GDP.
In this context, the Spanish Association for Standardization, UNE, plays an important role as a leading international and European standardisation organisation, as it has a direct impact on increasing international trade, boosting business competitiveness and enhancing the Spanish Brand.
From the perspective of international trade and exports, standards help Spanish economic sectors access global markets, as they improve compatibility, reduce transaction costs and serve as a sign of quality; they also help harmonise requirements for market exports and eliminate technical trade barriers.
Spain has become a leading international authority on standardisation. Several Spaniards hold positions of responsibility in the governing bodies of European and international standardisation organisations, with Javier García, Director General of UNE and vice-president of ISO, leading the way. In addition, experts from our country lead more than 150 presidencies and secretariats of technical bodies in ISO, IEC, CEN and CENELEC and ETSI.
Within Europe and internationally, the leadership of Spanish standardisation has extended to fields such as tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, smart cities, footwear, cosmetics, heat pumps, electrical and electronic products and sustainable construction.
