The security equipment manufacturers who are members of the BSIA have always supported the introduction of harmonised standards across Europe, but are concerned with the costs and other implications associated with the quick introduction of the 50131 series.
A similar situation arose last year with the arrival of DD243:2002.

Either in full or in part, there are many UK standards not yet covered by the 50131 series – as the system component standards are not available.

In addition, the generic standard EN 50131-1 is undergoing major revision, and we would be required to comply with a revised standard in only 12-18 months.

It is imperative that the situation regarding conflicting standards is resolved. It's only then that the manufacturers represented by the BSIA can produce timescales for security products to be fully compliant.

We feel that the only sensible way forward would be for the proposed date of 1 September to be postponed, followed by the agreement of realistic timescales for the date of withdrawal of UK-based national standards.

Source

SMT

Postscript

Julie Kenny CBE is chairman of the British Security Industry Association's Security Equipment Manufacturers Section and managing director of Pyronix