Erikoisstandardeilla

Erikoisstandardeilla is a Finnish term used in standardization to refer to standards developed to address specialized or niche requirements that are not fully covered by general international or national standards. The word combines erikois- (special) with standardit (standards) and the adessive suffix -illa, conveying the idea of working with or applying these special standards.

In practice, erikoisstandardeilla describes an approach where organizations or regulatory bodies adopt or draft tailored normative documents for particular products, processes, or industries. Such standards may supplement general frameworks such as ISO or EN standards, providing more detailed criteria for design, production, testing, labeling, or performance in a given context. They are often used in sectors with unique safety, environmental, or interoperability needs, such as medical devices, aerospace, defense, or cultural heritage technologies, though they are not limited to these fields.

Development typically involves stakeholders from industry, authorities, and testing laboratories. The process aims to ensure compatibility with existing general standards while addressing the specific risks and requirements of the application. Often these standards are voluntary, though they may be incorporated into regulatory schemes or procurement criteria where compliance is required for market access or public tendering.

Critics argue that too many erikoisstandardeilla can create fragmentation and increase costs for manufacturers, underscoring the importance of alignment with overarching standardization programs and periodic review to avoid obsolescence.

See also: standardization, general standards, sector-specific standards, conformity assessment.