CEN

European Committee for Standardization (CEN)

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe that works towards the removal of trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Through its services it provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications.

CEN is a major provider of European Standards and technical specifications and is the only recognized European organization according to the EU Directive 98/34/EC for the planning, drafting and adoption of European Standards in all areas of economic activity with the exeption of electrotechnology (CENELEC) and telecommunication (ETSI).

CEN consists of 31 National Members who work together to develop voluntary European Standards (ENs) The standards have a unique status as they are also the national standards in each of the member countries. Establising one common standard across all countries enables products and services to be suited to wider markets with much lower development and testing costs.

Following The Vienna Agreement of 1991, CEN ensures cooperation with its international couterpart, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), to ensure consistency of standards development , implementation and operation.

For further information visit the CEN website at http://www.cen.eu/