TweetShareLate inventor’s enduring invention started in the sand

Joseph Woodland, the inventor of the barcode, passed away aged 91 last December. Although Woodland and his associate Bernard Silver received a US patent for “Classifying Apparatus and Method” in 1952, it took until the mid-1970s [...]

TweetShareSmart moves boost sales of electronic toys

Peter Feuilherade

Electric and electronic toys form a small but growing part of the toys and games industry. They are defined as products designed specifically for children for the purpose of entertainment or education, and that require [...]

TweetShareFaster and more accurate information lies just a click away

Those of you who are frequent visitors to the IECQ website will undoubtedly be pleased to discover the new and totally revamped website that launched in mid-January. And for first-time visitors who want [...]

TweetShareFinding the right light is not so clear

Domestic consumers, faced with the gradual phasing out of the incandescent light bulb that has lit their environment for well over a century, have some difficulty finding new energy-efficient bulbs that reproduce the same light and [...]

TweetShareWhy system standards and conformity assessment need a different approach

A system by definition combines a number of different elements. Each of these elements by itself has a limited and defined function. However, when they are brought together in a system they are able [...]

TweetShareIndustrial robots are redefining industry, products and working practices

Industrial robots have been around for over 50 years. The first one, an automated die-casting machine that took over hazardous tasks from workers, was installed at a General Motors plant in the US in 1961. [...]

TweetShareIEC International Standards help robots tidy up inside and outside the house

Following the introduction of the first electric vacuum cleaners in the early 20th century, a range of different appliances have helped deal with many household chores. However, all required a certain degree [...]

TweetShareEmerging sector will play major role in meeting tomorrow’s energy challenges

FCs (fuel cells) convert the chemical energy of fuels such as hydrogen, methane or methanol into electricity through a chemical reaction. They are found in various power units and are used in portable, [...]

TweetShareIEC work crucial to product development and safety

Rebecca Pool

While the ever-growing demand for more powerful mobile electronic devices is pushing the conventional Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery to its limits, the latest portable fuel cell systems promise to deliver a longer-lasting alternative. IEC International [...]

TweetShareElectronic assistance at our service

The 2013 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), held on 8-11 January 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, lived up to its reputation, showcasing not only products that have just reached the marketplace, but also a wide range of [...]

TweetShareIECEx and UNECE present joint paper at PCIC Middle East

IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, and UNECE, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, presented a joint paper at the [...]

TweetShareNew tripartite Memorandum of Understanding is signed

Cooperation agreements with other standardization and conformity assessment bodies have been on the IEC agenda for many years. One such agreement, made between the Commission’s three CA (Conformity Assessment) Systems, IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and 

TweetShareIEC General Secretary addresses ANSI Board of Directors

On 6 December, IEC General Secretary and CEO Frans Vreeswijk addressed the Board of Directors ofANSI (American National Standards Institute). During his presentation, Vreeswijk noted that, while the importance of standardization and conformity assessment [...]