Will Promote Harmonization of Fire Safety Standards
WASHINGTON - The American Fire Safety Council (AFSC) and the Chinese Society of Flame Retardants (CSFR), leading representatives of the flame retardant industries in their respective countries, have signed a partnership agreement to “promote harmonization of fire safety standards” in both nations and work together on “fire safety solutions.”
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, China is the world’s second largest economy and among the fastest growing major overseas markets for U.S. manufactured goods. Between 2000 and 2003, U.S. exports to China grew 76 percent. Regarding imports, the U.S. is the top market for Chinese products.
“The U.S. imported nearly $200 billion of Chinese goods last year, including electronics, toys and games, apparel and furniture,” said Mark Buczek, chairman of the American Fire Safety Council. “Appropriate fire protection of these products is critical and we are pleased to be working with CSFR on aligning the fire safety standards of our respective countries.”
CFSR President Yuxiang Ou said, “As representatives of our nation’s flame retardant industries, it is essential that we take the lead in collaborating and sharing information, promoting academic exchanges and enhancing fire safety.”
To support these efforts, AFSC and CFSR will hold an annual joint conference, beginning next year in China. The groups will also communicate regularly on the status of current standards and proposed future standards.
The American Fire Safety Council (AFSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fire safety through enhancement of fire codes and standards and promoting responsible use of flame retardants and flame retardant products.
Based in Beijing, the Chinese Society of Flame Retardants is also dedicated to improving fire safety, and consists of producers of flame retardants and flame-retarded materials, along with institutes and colleges engaged in flame retardant research.
For a copy of the AFSC/CSFR agreement, visit http://www.fire-safety.net.