1. What is CEN?
2. Who are the European Standards Organizations?
3. What is a standard?
4. What is a CEN Workshop Agreement?
5. What are CEN products?
6. How are standards developed?
7. What are the benefits of standards?
8. Are European Standards free of charge?
9. Where can I purchase European Standards and draft standards?
10. Is there a CEN Catalogue of standards? How do I search the collection of CEN standards?
11. Is there copyright on European Standards?
12. What is a Harmonized Standard?
13. What is the 'New Approach'?
14. What is a European Directive?
15. What is CE Marking?
16. What is Certification?
17. What is BOSS?
18. Who can answer my technical question?
19. What is the channel to be used for queries by non-EU Members?
20. Want to know more on CEN IPR declarations?
1. What is CEN?
CEN is a non-profit organization set up under Belgian law. Through its services, it provides a platform for the development of European Standards (ENs) and other consensus documents. CEN's 31 National Members work together to develop these publications in a large number of sectors to help build the European internal market in goods and services, removing barriers to trade and strengthening Europe's position in the global economy. More than 60.000 technical experts from industry, associations, public administrations, academia, and societal organizations are involved in the CEN network that reaches over 480 million people. The European Commission (EC) and the European Free Trade Association Secretariat (EFTA) act as CEN's Counselors in terms or regulatory or public interest.
CEN works in a decentralized way. Its members – the National Standardization Bodies (NSBs) of the EU and EFTA countries – operate the technical groups that draw up the standards; the CEN Management Centre (CMC) in Brussels manages and coordinates this system.
CEN is one of the three European Standardization Organizations (ESOs) whose main objective is to remove trade barriers for European industry and consumers.
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2. Who are the European Standards Organizations?
CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI are the three European Standardization Organizations (ESOs) recognized as competent in the area of voluntary technical standardization and listed in Annex I of EU Directive 98/34/EC. Although their subject areas are generally different, CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI cooperate in a number of fields of common interest, such as the machinery sector or in information and communications technologies (ICTs) – where a co-ordination body known as the ICT Standards Board also includes a number of industry standards consortia. They also share common policies where possible.
Respective ESOs fields of competence:
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CEN is the European Committee for Standardization of which the main fields of activity cover various sectors such as Air and Space, Chemistry, Construction, Consumer Products, Energy and Utilities, Food, Health and Safety, Healthcare, Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, ICT, Materials, Measurement, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Security and Defence, Services, Transport and Packaging and others.
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CENELEC is the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization of which the main field of activity covers the Electrotechnical domain.
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ETSI is the European Telecommunications Standards Institute of which the main field of activity is Telecommunications (applicable standards for Information & Communications Technologies including fixed, mobile, radio, broadcast, internet and several other areas).
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3. What is a standard?
A standard (French: Norme, German: Norm) is a document, designed for common and repeated use, to be used as a rule, guideline or definition. It is both consensus-built and approved by a recognized body. Standards are created by bringing together all interested parties such as manufacturers, consumers, and regulators of a particular material, product, process or service. All parties benefit from standardization through increased product safety and quality as well as lower transactions costs and prices. CEN produces European Standards (EN), which are also national standards in our member countries. In addition, CEN produces some other technical documents such as CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) which are often used in fast-evolving technologies and the creation of new markets.
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4. What is a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA)?
In addition to European Standards (ENs), CEN also offers other types of documents, including CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs).
CWAs are consensus-based specifications, drawn up in an open 'Workshop' environment. They have a short development time, and their development is extended to any interested party, with low participation costs and no geographical restrictions. CEN Members often have similar activities at national level, in processes that are similar to informal standards consortia. CWAs are CEN publications, and as such, are available from CEN Members. In addition, the CEN Members have agreed that, under special arrangements, certain CWAs may be provided on this website for electronic downloading free of charge for individual use. Other CWAs may be purchased from a CEN Member.
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5. What are the CEN Products?
Technical Specifications (TSs) can be used by CEN Technical Committees as a European Pre-Standard for innovative features of technology. They are also helpful in a case where various alternatives need to co-exist in anticipation of future harmonization.
Technical Reports (TRs) are documents produced within a CEN Technical Committee that provide background information, for example on how to implement standards in specific cases.
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6. How are standards developed?
Most standards are prepared at the request of industry. The European Commission can also request the relevant standards bodies to prepare standards in order to implement European legislation. This type of standardization activity is 'mandated' by the European Commission. In most cases, such initiatives are supported by the EFTA Secretariat.
All CEN activities are undertaken by a collective of stakeholders, manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments and consumers. In CEN Technical Committees, experts are mandated by national member bodies, with formal decisions by national delegations. In CEN Workshops, a more informal approach is used, with any interested party being able to participate, sometimes after paying a fee. Representatives of the CEN Members act as secretaries to the various technical groups and manage the projects and the production of standards and other documents.
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7. What are the benefits of standards?
Standards are a powerful tool for supporting innovation and increasing productivity. Effective standardization promotes forceful competition and enhances profitability. Standards allow a company to:
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attract and assure customers;
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demonstrate market leadership;
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create competitive advantage;
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develop and maintain best practices;
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comply with European legislation.
European Standards are powerful marketing tool
Compliance with widely recognized European Standards is an effective means of differentiation in a competitive marketplace. In addition, manufacturing products or supplying services that conform to appropriate standards maximizes their compatibility with those manufactured or offered by others, thereby increasing potential sales and widespread acceptance.
As consumers become better informed about their choices, conformity to recognized standards becomes increasingly important. Two examples are the European Standards for toys (EN 71 series) and the European Standards for lifts (EN 81 series), which are used internationally.
Standards are a respected badge of quality
Certification marks are earned by businesses whose products and practices consistently prove conformity to relevant standards. These marks (such as the Keymark) are easily recognizable and act as badges of quality, safety and performance.
Standards can strengthen infrastructure
Standardization can deliver measurable benefits when applied within the infrastructure of a company itself. Effective communication along the supply chain and with legislative bodies, clients and customers is good business. Business costs and risks can be minimized, internal processes streamlined and communication improved. Standardization promotes interoperability, providing a competitive edge necessary for effective worldwide trading of products and services.
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8. Are European Standards free of charge?
No, standards are publicly available documents that may be purchased from CEN's National Members and Affiliates for a reasonable fee. European Standards are the result of extensive efforts performed by the market players, who provide the expertise and fund the infrastructure of standardization in Europe. They represent an exceptional value for the users, who support this work and infrastructure through their purchase.
Certain CEN Workshop Agreements are available free of charge under special arrangements, for example, where industry has offset the loss of sales.
All standardization documents are protected by copyright and associated exploitation rights.
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9. Where can I purchase European Standards and draft standards?
CEN does not sell or distribute Standards or any other deliverable.
All European Standards (ENs) and drafts (prENs), as well as any other approved document (Technical Specifications (TSs), Technical Reports (TRs) and CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs), can be purchased from:
In the case of Australia, please check with our PSB Member Standards Australia.
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10. Is there a CEN Catalogue of standards? How do I search the collection of CEN standards?
CEN no longer publishes a Catalogue of standards.
The entire collection of both published standards and standards under development (Work Programme) can be searched online via the 'Search standards' function. This function can be found in the upper right corner of each CEN web page.
You can search by English title, standard reference, document type, ICS, progress status and committee.
The results of your search may be displayed by Work Item number, standard reference or committee. The 'More' button in the last column of the search results gives the national implementations of the standards, with links to the sales points of the CEN Members and Affiliates.
Note: Withdrawn standards are not listed.
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11. Is there copyright on European Standards?
The distribution of European Standards is the responsibility of the CEN National Members. Consequently, CEN has entrusted the National Standardization Bodies with the protection of their copyright interests, each in their respective territories.
Therefore, any reproduction, distribution, resale or communication of standards in any medium, is forbidden without the formal written authorization from the NSB where the standard was purchased.
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12. What is a Harmonized Standard?
The European Commission refers to European Standards that are produced by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI under a mandate given by the European Commission as 'harmonized standards' (hEN). In general, these standards support the essential requirements of a New Approach Directive.
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List of Harmonized Standards Please click on 'Subject (short title of directive)' to view the list of titles and references of harmonized standards under the directive.
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13. What is the 'New Approach'?
The 'New Approach' was first created by the European Council in May 1985. It is the means by which open, voluntary standardization can support regulations concerning products on the European market. Since then, European Union Directives define 'essential requirements' (e.g. related to health, safety and environment) that products must meet before they can be placed on the European market. In these circumstances, manufacturers may choose any technical solution that fulfils the essential requirements. If they follow the relevant harmonized European Standard(s), they benefit from a 'presumption of conformity' to the essential requirements set out in the Directive. If they choose their own method, they must provide a 'technical file', which sometimes must include reports from recognized testing agencies that they are in conformity with the relevant Directive. Following a European Standard is therefore the simplest route to accessing the European Single Market and over 480 million consumers. Under an EU Council and Parliament Decision (768/2008/EC), the 'New Approach' has been enhanced and extended to all sectors. This common framework for the marketing of products, with accompanying regulations, is known as 'the goods package'.
For more information on the common framework for marketing and the 'New Approach' go to 'New Approach Standardization in the Internal Market' and the European Commission's web pages on this subject.
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14. What is a European Directive?
An EU Directive is a legislative act of the European Union, which requires member states to achieve a particular result without dictating the means of achieving that result. It can be distinguished from European Union Regulations which are self-executing and do not require any implementing measures. Directives normally leave member states with a certain amount of leeway as to the exact rules to be adopted. Directives can be adopted by a variety of legislative procedures, depending on their subject matter.
Where do I get directives and regulations?
The full text of European Directives, Regulations and other EU legislation can be obtained from EUR-LEX, where you can find a 'Directory of Community Legislation in Force' and other acts of the European Community institutions.
The texts are also available on paper from sales agents of the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (EUR-OP) throughout the world.
What is the relationship between directives and standards
Standards are voluntary, consensus-based and as such do not impose any regulations. They provide the test specifications and test methods (interoperability, safety, quality, etc.).
The application of standards is voluntary. However, laws and regulations may refer to standards and even make compliance with them compulsory. In the European Union, Directives, Regulations and other EU legislation may refer to European Standards. In particular, this is the case within the framework of the 'New Approach' where European Standards are used to provide presumption of conformity to 'Essential Requirements' of the Directives. The 'Essential Requirements' are mandatory. However, products that comply with European Standards cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under a New Approach Directive benefit from a presumption of conformity with the Essential Requirements of that New Approach Directive. A manufacturer that chooses not to follow the given standards then has the obligation to demonstrate conformity with the Essential Requirements of the Directive.
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15. What is CE Marking?
The 'CE marking' (sometimes improperly known as 'CE Mark') represents the declaration that the product conforms to all applicable European legislation.
A useful reference is the European Commission's 'Guide to the implementation of Directives based on the New Approach and Global Approach', more specifically Chapter 7 dedicated to CE Marking, which can be downloaded here.
Every product placed in the EEA (European Economical area) covered by the principles of the New Approach Directive must bear the CE marking. However, a product may not be CE marked, if it is not covered by a directive providing for its affixing.
"Where products are subject to several directives, which all provide for the affixing of the CE marking, the marking indicates that the products are presumed to conform to the provisions of all these directives."
Do separate components of a product need to be CE Marked separately?
In principle, the individual components of a product should not bear the CE Marking. The CE Marking is to be affixed to the finished assembled product, machinery, apparatus or equipment (the definitions are given in the texts of the EC directives themselves). However, 'safety components which are placed on the market separately' will need to bear the CE Marking (e.g. see Machinery Directive).
Who is responsible for affixing the CE Marking?
The CE Marking must be affixed by the manufacturer or by the authorized representative established within the community.
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16. What is Certification?
Certification is a sub-field of conformity assessment (e.g. testing, certification, accreditation). It represents a third-party attestation that a product, service, person or management system meets specified requirements.
By giving the purchaser confidence that a product or service meets the requirements, certification facilitates trade both within countries and between countries.
Though European Standards form an important part of conformity assessment in Europe, CEN is not a Certification Body and therefore certification is not part of CEN's activities.
What is Conformity Assessment?
Conformity assessment is a series of three functions that satisfy a need/demand for demonstration that specified requirements are fulfilled: Selection, Determination, Review and attestation.
More.
Who is responsible for certification?
As a manufacturer, it is your responsibility to check whether your product falls under the scope of any European Union legislation. If it falls within the scope of a common framework ('New Approach') Directive, CE marking is obligatory.
Manufacturers shall ensure, when placing their products on the market, that they have been designed and manufactured in accordance with the requirements set out in the legislation. More information on the responsibilities here.
What is accreditation?
Like certification, it is a sub-field of conformity assessment. It relates to the Conformity assessment of those bodies that perform conformity assessment services. It is the last level of control.
CEN is not a certification body.
What is a Notified Body?
A Notified body is a certification body that is designated by the notifying authority of a Member State to carry out the tasks pertaining to the conformity assessment procedures referred to in the applicable New Approach directives when a third party is required.
The Nando (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System allows you to search for Notified Bodies by Directive or by country.
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17. What is the BOSS?
The CEN Business Operations Support System (BOSS) is the unique source of reference for all CEN System operations. It gives essential information on the validated key processes and structures in the CEN System operations, at both strategic and operational level.
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18. Who can answer my technical question?
The CEN Infodesk has no technical competence and therefore cannot provide technical solutions to questions such as what standard to use or to queries relating to the interpretation of standards, etc.
Technical questions are the competence of the CEN Technical Committees. Please note that, as a rule, Technical Committees do not deal directly with questions from private experts. Technical questions shall first be referred to the appropriate CEN National Bodies.
What standard(s) to use?
Some of CEN National Members provide consultancy in the domain. Please contact your National Standard Body for further help.
Interpretation of standards:
These questions are in most cases dealt with by Interpretation Panel Groups and consequently, should be addressed to the CEN National Standard Bodies.
It is the responsibility of the NSB to assess what is proposed and check with its national mirror group(s). The request for interpretation is then considered by the CEN/TC, which gives an official answer.
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19 . What is the channel to be used for queries by non-EU members?
Questions from non-EU members should be addressed to colleagues in Europe that have a connection/liaison with a CEN National Standard Body.
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20 . Want to know more on CEN IPR Declarations?
CEN aligned its policy concerning ‘Standards and Patents’ to the one of ISO/IEC.
Link to the list of Patent Declarations received by CEN
CEN-CENELEC Guide 8 on the Guidelines for Implementation of the Common IPR Policy (Patents and other statutory intellectual property rights based on inventions), defines the common CEN and CENELEC policy in relation to IPR issues and gives a systematic procedure for the implementation of the policy developed at international level by ISO and IEC (see ISO/IEC Directives Part 1, Reference to patented items, and Part 2, Annex F).
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