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Standard
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Standard

A standard is a set of rules developed on the basis of consensus among relevant stakeholder groups and published by a recognised standardisation body.

Hierarchy of standardisation organisations:

  • International: ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC, ITU
  • European: CEN (European Committee for Standardization), CENELEC, ETSI
  • National: DIN (Germany), BSI (UK), AFNOR (France), AENOR (Spain)

Structure of standard numbers using EN ISO 374-1 as example:

  • EN: standard adopted at European level (by CEN)
  • ISO: based on an international ISO standard
  • 374: standard series number
  • -1: Part 1 of the series
  • :2016: year of publication
  • +A1:2018: Amendment 1 from 2018

Harmonised standards: standards referenced in the EU Official Journal that confer a presumption of conformity with EU regulations.

Standards vs. laws/regulations:

  • Standards: technical rules, primarily voluntary, by standardisation bodies
  • Laws/regulations: legally binding, by public authorities

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a standard and a law?

Laws and regulations are legally binding state instruments. Standards are technical rules developed by standardisation bodies and are primarily voluntary. Standards can become mandatory by reference in laws or regulations (e.g. MDR, PPE Regulation).

What does DIN EN ISO mean in a standard number?

DIN indicates the standard has also been published as a German DIN standard. EN indicates European adoption by CEN. ISO indicates it is based on an international ISO standard. Often all three designations are valid simultaneously.

Are standards freely available?

No. Standards must be purchased from the relevant standardisation body (DIN, BSI, CEN) or international publishers. Only some standards are freely available in public versions (e.g. old, withdrawn versions).