Gori: Tyre labeling standards need to be harmonised

AKRON (Sept. 11, 2006) -- The world´s tyre makers need to find ways to harmonise a growing portfolio of national technical tyre labeling standards that threaten to swamp the tyre industry in paperwork and added costs, according to Pirelli Tyre SpA CEO Francesco Gori.

Speaking to an audience of tyre technicians attending the 25th annual Tire Society meeting, Gori called these labeling requirements - some already in force, others being considered - "technical barriers to trade."

"Most (of these requirements) do not help the tyre industry," he said. "They may help one or the other individual company or national industry, but not the industry as a whole."

In particular, Gori cited national technical regulations coming into force in such nations as China, Indonesia and Nigeria as examples of these restrictions. Taken to their extreme, these types of regulations would require tyre makers to mould specific technical specifications on the sidewalls for the respective countries.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)