Abstract

SALDIVAR TANAKA, Laura. Soft regulation, technical standards and international regulatory harmonization, for nanotechnology. Mundo nano [online]. 2020, vol.13, n.24, e0014.  Epub June 12, 2020. ISSN 2448-5691.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485691e.2020.24.69621.

This article reviews some of the most relevant texts that argue and analyze the different voluntary ways to oversight nanotechnology, known as soft regulation. Thus, the six most common types (records, labeling, codes of conduct, risk management systems, guides, and technical standards) are briefly explained and exemplified, giving special attention to technical standards. The main standardization bodies in the field of NT are also reviewed, deepening in the work of the Technical Committee on Nanotechnology of the International Organization for Standardization, (ISO / TC-229). Subsequently, the importance of normative harmonization in this matter and in the effort of the Working Program on Manufacture Nanomaterials (WPMN) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is discussed and, finally, the discussion about what type regulation is desirable when looking for the governance of a technology of relative novelty and diversity of applications.

Keywords : soft regulation; voluntary regulation; technical standards; regulatory harmonization; nanotechnology; nanomaterials.

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