Long-term Actions

  • Provide clear information about what the withdrawal means and who it affects.
  • Share alternatives, replacement standards, or temporary guidance people can use instead.
  • Offer support where needed, including technical and legal guidance.
  • Consider a grace period, so people have time to adjust and transition.

Examples

  • Netherlands – Nederlands Normalisatie Instituut (NEN) NEN offers technical support and consultation services for stakeholders impacted by a withdrawn standard. They help organizations interpret the changes, assess risks, and identify substitute standards, ensuring minimal disruption to services or compliance.
  • South Korea – Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) KATS engages with affected sectors before and after a withdrawal. They issue interim guidance and work with industry groups and advocacy organizations to co-develop new or updated standards where needed.
  • New Zealand – Standards New Zealand (SNZ) SNZ provides public-facing FAQs and advisory support after the withdrawal of major standards. They often partner with government agencies to ensure that policy and procurement frameworks reflect the change and that users are not left without direction.

Barriers these actions address

No support when a standard is removed

Why is this a problem?

People and organizations often rely on a standard for accessibility, buying decisions, or designing services. When it is removed, they may not know what to do next. Without guidance, it can be hard to adjust, which can cause confusion and weaken protections.

Common problems include:

  • No clear guidance on what replaces the withdrawn standard
  • Confusion about how to stay compliant with laws or policies
  • Difficulty updating internal rules, contracts, or procedures
  • Loss of a reference for accessibility or human rights protections
  • No advice on how to request or advocate for a new or updated standard

Ways to address the barrier

  • Provide transition guidance when withdrawing a standard
  • Use clear, accessible, and open language in withdrawal notices