National Enquiry Point for WTO/TBT
Difference Between a Technical Regulation and a Standard
The difference between a standard and a technical regulation lies in compliance. While conformity with standards is voluntary, technical regulations are by nature mandatory. Standards become technical regulation mandatory following regulation expressed by a law or any other regulatory document issued by relevant authority empowered to do so.
They have different implications for international trade. If an imported product does not fulfil the requirements of a technical regulation, it will not be allowed to be put on sale. In case of standards, non-complying imported products will be allowed on the market, but then their market share may be affected if consumers' prefer products that meet local standards such as quality or colour standards for textiles and clothing.