WHAT is standardization?

Standardization is the process of developing, promoting and possibly mandating standards-based and compatible technologies and processes within an industry. Technology standards are essential for consistency, safety, interoperability, and quality assurance, allowing products and services to meet specific requirements and function reliably.

Standardization involves the normalization of previously customized or disparate approaches to processes and technology. It provides rules, processes, guidance, templates, statistics and other data to establish and enforce consistent quality and conformity in how specific activities should occur within an environment. Standards are used with nearly all technologies. They ensure all players in an industry build products and services, and perform activities consistently and in compliance with specific rules and guidelines.

Authorities and Bodies in the European Union Overseeing Standardization

The European Union (EU) has several key organizations and regulatory bodies responsible for developing and enforcing standards, ensuring that products across sectors meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

1. European Committee for Standardization (CEN): CEN focuses on standards across various industries except for telecommunications and electrotechnical engineering. It develops European Standards (ENs), which are mandatory for member states, ensuring uniformity across the EU.
2. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC): Specializing in the electrotechnical sector, CENELEC oversees standards for electrical and electronic goods, working to promote safety, efficiency, and interoperability within the EU market.
3. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI): ETSI is responsible for telecommunications, broadcasting, and other electronic communications networks and services standards. It plays a crucial role in developing standards for 5G, cybersecurity, and internet of things (IoT) technologies in the EU.
4. European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA): Although primarily focused on cybersecurity, ENISA contributes to standardization by developing frameworks and guidelines to ensure digital security across EU member states.
5. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): While not exclusive to the EU, both ISO and IEC are prominent global organizations whose standards are widely adopted within Europe, often influencing EU standards directly.