Nanotechnology 

Nanotechnologies are about the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size at the atomic scale. Nanomaterials are materials which often have specific properties due to their small particle size.

As ‘Key Enabling Technologies’, the design and use and application of nanotechnologies will have an impact on all aspects of life and will enable advances in areas of health, manufacturing, environment, industrial and consumer applications and knowledge-based technologies.

News and events

CEN/TC 352 ‘Nanotechnologies’ meetings
  • 2nd Open meeting on Standardization for Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials -June 20, 2017 in Malta

    In the frame of the standardization request M/461, a second Open Meeting on (Standardisation for) Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials is organized by CEN/TC 352 "Nanotechnologies" in collaboration with CEN CENELEC Management Centre (CCMC), the European Commission (EC). The meeting will take place on the 20th of June 2017 in Malta.

    Visit the 2nd Open meeting website for information on programme and registration.

    For more information see dedicated article on Afnor website.

    Publications
  • The European Commission and its non-food Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR), have published in January 2015 the final opinion ‘Guidance on the Determination of Potential Health Effects of Nanomaterials Used in Medical Devices’.

Technical bodies and activities

Since 2006 CEN/TC 352 - Nanotechnologies - under AFNOR/UNMZ (France/Czech) Secretariats, is engaged in standardization in the field of nanotechnologies. This includes the development of a set of standards addressing the following aspects of nanotechnologies:
  • classification, terminology and nomenclature;
  • metrology and instrumentation, including specifications for reference materials;
  • test methodologies;
  • modelling and simulation;
  • science-based health, safety and environmental practices;
  • nanotechnology products and processes.

Under CEN/TC 352 coordination, several CEN and ISO Technical Committees are involved in the execution of Mandate M/461 (see below under 'European legislation and mandates'). Furthermore, CEN/TC 352 is working closely with ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies and will liaise with other European and international bodies (e.g. OECD), to ensure its standards take due account of related work being undertaken elsewhere.

Sector Forum

A Sector Forum is a platform aiming at facilitating the exchange of information between the different stakeholders, coordinating and identifying the standardization needs in a specific field of CEN work.
 
There is no Sector Forum in this field.

Workshops

  • CEN/WS 89 – Platform - “Guidelines and best practices for sustainable production of carbon nanotube-based nano-enabled products (CNT-based NEPs)”

European legislation and mandates

European Standards are developed in the context of European legislation and sometimes come in direct support to particular Directives or Regulations.
 
In 2010, CEN accepted 'Mandate M/461 - Standardisation Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for standardisation activities regarding nanotechnologies and nanomaterials'. In 2013, CEN/TC 352 'Nanotechnologies' will be involved together with CEN/TC 195 'Air filters for general air cleaning'  and CEN/TC 137 ' Assessment of workplace exposure to chemical and biological agents' in developing several European deliverables under this Mandate.
 
Further information on:

Useful links and documents