Questions and answers on the new Standardisation Regulation

What is a standard and how are standards developed in Europe?

A standard is a technical document that sets specifications for a product, service, or process. It is written by experts and then adopted by consensus. It covers a wide range, from the size of a sheet of A4 paper to the safety of a child's toy or the compatibility of a phone charger.

Many standards are voluntary, but even when voluntary businesses have a strong incentive to apply them. A product made to a recognised standard can be sold across the Single Market rather than need to be adapted to divergent national rules. It demonstrates safety and quality, ensures interoperability, and lowers costs.

In Europe, standards are developed through a public-private partnership. The three European Standardisation Organisations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) work with national standardisation bodies, with standards drafted by experts from industry, consumer organisations, employee representatives, civil society, academia, and public authorities. While the Commission does not write standards itself, it can request the drafting of standards to support EU legislation and help finance the system.

Why are harmonised standards important for the Single Market?

Harmonised standards are important for the Single Market because they translate EU legal requirements into one practical set of technical specifications that can be used across all Member States. Developed by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI at the Commission's request, they give products and services a presumption of conformity with EU law once cited in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This gives them a special legal role. By providing one recognised route to compliance, they reduce technical barriers to trade, support the free movement of goods and services, and make it easier and cheaper for businesses, especially small and medium-sized, to access the EU market while ensuring safety, interoperability and consumer trust.