The policy aims to increase harmonisation between EU member countries, reducing the severe fragmentation that currently exists in the European security marketplace and removing trade barriers that restrict the ability of UK security equipment manufacturers to expand their product offering to other countries within the EU.
Testing and certification is just one area that will be positively impacted by this policy. Currently, test houses operate on a national level, meaning that products often have to be tested separately for each country in which they’re sold.
For example, an alarm that’s compliant to the auditing requirements in France cannot necessarily be sold in Germany unless it’s being retested specifically for the German market.
This onerous process is not only time consuming but is also financially burdensome, as the costs and time associated with the separate testing of the same products in each country is considerable and can prove to be a significant barrier to growth for smaller businesses in particular.
Innovative security sector is “fundamental”
In recognition of this, the European Commission’s policy acknowledges that “a competitive and innovative security industry is [fundamental to] any viable European security policy,” and pledges to reduce the fragmentation that currently restricts EU-wide harmonisation.
Through their involvement in RISC and Euralarm, members of the BSIA’s Security Equipment Manufacturers’ Section (SEMS) have contributed directly to the European Commission’s policy consultation and welcome the opportunities it brings in terms of encouraging fairer trade across EU member countries and, subsequently, stimulating enhanced competition.
Results of a consultation conducted by the EC revealed that, independent of their background (be it SME, large corporate or public authority), stakeholders underlined the clear added value of a European-wide certification regime, highlighting four key benefits that this would bring – and not least the reduction of the administrative and financial burden brought about by the duplication of current certification procedures.
Adrian Mealing, chairman of the BSIA’s Security Equipment Manufacturers’ Section, commented: “This policy represents an excellent starting point for harmonisation across the EU, and is set to have a monumental impact on views and procedures in EU countries. We at the BSIA hope that this policy will drive test houses to adopt a European rather than a national focus, in turn increasing quality standards across the board.”
Regaining a competitive edge in the global market
Respondents to the European Commission’s consultation also expressed concern for the fragility of the EU security market in comparison to its international competitors, and agreed that an industrial policy framework could help the European security industry regain its competitive edge in the global market.
“With an estimated market value of as much as euro 36.5 billion, the EU security market has real potential to compete with the likes of China and the US,” suggested Alex Carmichael, technical and export director at the BSIA.
“Removing trade barriers and creating a one-stop testing regime will not only increase exporting opportunities for UK companies, but will also help to drive the overall professionalism of the European security industry.”
The official launch of the policy will take place at the Security Essen Exhibition in September this year, at which the BSIA will be represented by Carmichael as well as members of the Association’s Security Equipment Manufacturers’ Section.