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

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)”
  • CEN/WS MODA - “Materials modelling terminology, classification and metadata”

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