Country A- Technical Regulation A- Standard Regulation A

Country B- Technical Regulation B- Standard Regulation B

Country C- Technical Regulation C- Standard Regulation C

MRA

AHEEERR Standards

The electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is one among major global industries and has the highest growth compared to other industries. Usually, almost every industry uses part of electrical and electronic component. Therefore, it is regarded that this industry has a high impact to the world economy, especially ASEAN economy where a production is based on and exported to the world.

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) was established in 1992 and then developed to ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2003. Ten member countries of AEC pay special attention to electrical and electronic equipment industry. This can be seen in setting up of Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ASEAN EE MRA), Agreement on the ASEAN Harmonized Electrical & Electronic Equipment Regulatory Regime (AHEEERR) and ASEAN Conformity Mark. These aim to reduce non-tariff trade barriers.

Arrangement to Reduce Trade BarriersASEAN never has multilateral cooperation activities in the field of standards and conformance. Regulatory and controlling system of the products were different and information barely exchanged. Mutual agreement is necessary for eliminating the barrier.

Member countries in ASEAN have different regulatory and controlling system in electrical and electronic equipment. To solve this problem, ASEAN members agree to accept results of certificate of conformity or test reports for products under confine standard of member countries. This helps to reduce the obstacle for regional trading.

Harmonization of Standards

AHEEERR is aimed to harmonize the standards of electrical & electronic equipment among ASEAN members. Members will adjust their national processes, standards, regulatory regime to conform AHEEERR standards. Products passed AHEEERR standards will be accepted and not necessary to retest by each national lab.

ASEAN Conformity MarkASEAN Conformity Mark is a certify mark showing conformity products under ASEAN harmonized regulatory regime. Therefore, it is beneficial for import and export traders and consumers as well as showing good image of ASEAN. ASEAN Conformity Mark is expected to be widely accepted as CE Marking of European products.

However, trade barriers still exist in other forms as the following:

- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive - Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive - Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals Directive - Green Label or Eco-Label - Compulsory Certification Mark

Other Regulations for EEE - In Malaysia, electrical and electronic equipment must pass safety standards from

Energy Commission of Malaysia. - In Philippines, electrical and electronic equipment must be inspected by country

standard agency.

Cooperation to reduce trade barriers will not accomplish if member countries in ASEAN emphasize only their beneficial interests. Aiming to achieve one single production and market, ASEAN needs to harmonize the electrical and electronic equipment standards in order to be one giant EEE market with 600 million consumers.

Prepared by Reverse Brain Drain Section (RBD)

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)

Standard for Electrical & Electronic Equipment in ASEAN Market