ANSI Broadens Consumer Standards Engagement Amid US Strategy Shift

Event summary

  • ANSI rebranded its consumer webinar series from 'Consumer Safety Central' to 'Consumer Standards Central' to encompass a wider range of standards impacting consumers.
  • The initiative aims to increase consumer participation in standards development across sectors like AI, textiles, and pet care.
  • Three webinars are scheduled for 2026: March 5, June 17, and November 19, with thematic focuses and guest speakers.
  • The expansion aligns with the U.S. Standards Strategy 2025, which emphasizes the importance of consumer input in the U.S. standards system.
  • Cleo Stamatos (ANSI) and Jonathan Midgett (former CPSC Consumer Ombudsman) will continue to lead the series.

The big picture

ANSI's move reflects a broader trend toward greater stakeholder involvement in standards development, driven by increased scrutiny of technology and product safety. The U.S. Standards Strategy 2025 signals a deliberate effort to formalize this engagement, potentially reshaping the influence of consumer groups on industry practices. This shift could impact the speed and direction of innovation across numerous sectors.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The effectiveness of ANSI's broadened approach will depend on its ability to attract and retain diverse consumer representatives, moving beyond a safety-centric focus.
Regulatory Headwinds
Increased consumer involvement in standards may lead to more stringent requirements and potentially slower adoption rates for certain technologies and products.
Execution Risk
The success of the US Standards Strategy 2025 hinges on ANSI's ability to translate the strategy's goals into tangible, impactful changes in standards development processes.

Related topics

Technology