European Union Standards
European Union legislation since the mid-1980s has made increasing use of standards. Under the new EU approach, the free movement of goods and services is facilitated for goods conforming with the relevant European standards developed by CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI.
The EU directives define the essential requirements in relation to the protection of health and safety, which goods must meet. European Standards bodies draw up the relevant technical specification to meet the essential requirements. Harmonised standards are adopted by CEN. Compliance with those standards provide a presumption of conformity with the legislative requirement.
The standards bodies proceed under a mandate or order issued by the European Commission in consultation with States. The standards are developed in an open, transparent process which seeks to proceed on the basis of consensus between all interested parties.
Compliance with EU Standards
The EN is the European Standard adopted by CEN or CENELC. It carries the same obligation of implementation as an identical national standard. It requires the withdrawal of conflicting national standards. Once adopted by NSAI a European standard is published as an IS.EN. A National Annex is a supplementary element added to a European standard to aid the reader in understanding the standard and making it easier to implement.
Compliance with harmonised standards provides a presumption of conformity in relation to compliance with the essential requirements of the relevant EU directive. Manufacturers may choose other technical solutions provided that they comply with the essential health and safety requirements of any applicable directive.
Examples of common EU standards adopted in this way include those relating to toys, pressure vehicles, recreational craft, personal protective equipment, packaging, waste, medical devices of various types, low voltage equipment, machinery, explosives, electromagnetic compatibility, construction products, appliances and burning gaseous fuel.
Voluntary and Legal Standards
Most schemes of certification are voluntary in order to demonstrate compliance with a particular standard. In some cases, products or services require certification by law. This may apply under either EU or domestic legislation.
CE marking is a legal requirement for many products sold in EU. The principal instances are mentioned above. There are now relatively few national standards which are legally required. Some continue to exist.
A significant number of standards are established with the force of law under European Union legislation. They are usually given legal effect for particular public protection reason. They include, for example, standards of safety in relation to toys, motor vehicles and food hygiene standard.