In this article we explain how TS differ from standards, when and why you should choose one or the other approach, and how to order technical specifications without mistakes.
What is a standard and when is it appropriate?
Standards are approved regulatory documents that establish mandatory or recommended requirements for products, technologies, test methods, packaging, labeling and the like. In Ukraine, the most common are DSTU, GOST and ISO. They are used as a basis for product certification, participation in tenders, export and registration of goods in state registers.
If there is an existing standard that is fully compliant with the parameters of your product, it is logical to adhere to it. This simplifies inspections, testing, and allows you to enter the market smoothly. A standard is the right choice in situations where products are standardized, mass-produced, do not require changes in composition or design, and your goal is to quickly obtain a certificate of conformity.
What are technical specifications and when should they be developed?
Technical Specifications (TS) is an internal regulatory document that is developed directly for a specific product, company or group of goods. Its content is completely determined by product features, technological processes, product purpose and customer requirements.
The development of technical specifications is appropriate in such cases:
- if the product is unique or new to the market;
- if none of the applicable standards fully describes the product or is obsolete;
- if you need to start production quickly without a lengthy process of harmonizing standards;
- if a company wants to protect its formulation, design or quality control methods.
In such cases, it is the TS that allows to legalize production, pass product certification, participate in tenders and sell goods through retail chains.
How do you make the right decision?
When choosing between a standard and a TS, several criteria should be taken into account: availability of the current standard, market requirements (including partners or tenderers), technical specifics of the product and industry-specific regulations.
If your product is a modification of an existing product, but with a different composition or a new form, then ordering specifications would be a logical and justified step. If you produce standard products (e.g. nails, building materials, electrical appliances), then it is better to use an existing DSTU or ISO.
Why is this important for certification?
Without a well-defined regulatory framework, you cannot obtain product certification, carry out tests or undergo laboratory verification. For both the standard and the specification, these are the documents on which conformity assessment relies. In the absence of a valid standard, certification bodies require a TS as the basis for certification.
The company “Standards and Quality” provides full support: from choosing the optimal format (TS or standard) to the development of documents, coordination with testing laboratories and further certification of products.
What do you want?
- If the product is included in the list of regulated goods with applicable standards – focus on DSTU or ISO.
- If you are launching new, atypical or specialized products – the development of technical specifications is mandatory.
- If it is necessary to pass voluntary certification for unique goods – TS will simplify preparation and testing.
Specifications and standards are tools to ensure the legality, safety and competitiveness of your products. The main thing is to correctly assess the situation, product type and market requirements. It is advisable to order technical specifications when you want to control the requirements for your own product, adapt it to the peculiarities of production and not to depend on the limitations of typical standards.
Standards & Quality helps manufacturers to make the right decision, prepare all documentation and go from concept to certification without unnecessary costs and delays.
