Jakość jako kategoria społeczno-ekonomiczna oraz regulacyjno-prawna
Quality as a socio-economic and regulatory-legal category

Summary/Abstract: Although quality is a market value, it also performs a vital regulatory and legal function. This is because its fundamental feature is safety, the lack of which undermines the significance of the other characteristics that constitute quality. Given the importance of quality, the article aims to present key perspectives on its perception in economic, social and legal terms. The paper employs a review of literature sources, legal acts and standards, alongside desk research, synthesis, and logical inference. It cites key definitions of quality, both historical and contemporary. Particular attention is given to the role of standards in quality development and in the resolution of disputes between suppliers and customers. Attention is also focused on the European harmonized standards and ISO 9001 as key specifications that must be applied by manufacturers or their authorized representatives for selling products in the European Union and affixing CE marking. The article outlines the key benefits and obligations arising from the application of standards and other quality requirements, from the perspective of consumers, manufacturers, and various institutional customers. It is noted that compliance with quality requirements supports stakeholder satisfaction, enhances societal quality of life, contributes to the rationalization of the production process, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates or limits material waste.

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