Standardization in general

Standardization is a process to agree on methodologies, requirements, characteristics, etc. It can support the development of a common language, which is understandable to everyone. A standard in general is a consensus-based document that is approved by a recognized body or organization and it reflects the state of the art. Consensus is characterized by the absence of sustained opposition in a process that involves the opinions of all relevant parties. The consensus-based approach is a main characteristic of standards. Standardization documents can be developed at national level, where each country has its own recognized national standards body (DIN – Germany, UNI – Italy, ANSI – America, etc.,) at European level, where the organizations CEN and CENELEC are mainly responsible for standardization, and at international level, where ISO and IEC are the most-established standardization organizations. Different types of standardization documents exist. Beside the well-known standards, specifications (e.g., Technical Report, Technical Specification, CWA, IWA, etc.) also exist.

Standardization vs. research projects

Specifications especially can be a great tool to support the dissemination of research results of research projects. Standardization can support innovative solutions by promoting marketability, enhance interoperability of research results and promote visibility. Research projects can also benefit from standardization by considering already existing standards, which are reflecting the state of the art, as a solid basis for new inventions.

DIN as the standardization partner in CircUits supports the project partners with the following sub tasks:

  • Identification of relevant standards at European and international level to allow the consortium members to consider existing standards.
  • Identification of standardization needs and gaps in the current standardization landscape, which CircUits could potentially fill.
  • Initiation and performing standardization activities to promote, disseminate and exploit developed CircUits results.

Report on Standardization activities (v1) – D5.2

This document provides the reader an overview about the basic knowledge on standardization – the standardization process, different types of standardization documents, and different ways to participate in standardization. In addition, the results of a standards research, which was conducted within CircUits, are listed. Existing standards in the field of circular economy, automotive, industry and quality management are listed and form the standardization landscape of CircUits. Ongoing standardization projects in relevant standardization committees at European and international level are described. CircUits not just considers existing standards but is also interested in participating in standardization. For this reason, a workshop was conducted to identify existing gaps or needs in the current standardization landscape, which can potentially be filled by CircUits results. The standardization report explains the different standardization ideas and provides some insights in CircUits’ standardization strategy.

The document can be downloaded here: D5.2_report_on_standardization_activities_1st version_final.

Standardization strategy for CircUits

Currently ongoing standardization activities within CircUits (status: April 2025)

Establishment of a liaison with CEN/CLC/JTC 24 – DPP to participate in the ongoing standardization work with regard to DPP

  • one representative was sent to the TC in general and one to the working group 4 – Interoperability framework. 
  • Representatives can attend the WG meetings
  • Project get access to the current standard drafts
  • Allows the project to know which standardization documents are coming soon, possibility of direct exchanges with the standardization experts, to ensure that the results of CIRC-UITS could be transferred directly into standardization

Development of CEN/CLC Workshop Agreement (CWA) with the title “Digital Product Passport for Printed Circuit Board Assemblies”

  • Kick-off meeting successfully takes place on January 20, 2025
  • Within this workshop several project experts but also external experts are discussing the on a digital product passport for printed circuits board assemblies
  • Open commenting phase for the final draft is envisaged to take place in July-Aug 2025
  • Publication of CWA is planned for the end of 2025, the document can then be downloaded for free (link will be made available)

Development of CEN/CLC Workshop Agreement (CWA) with the title “Use-case for the application of the EN 45554 in the automotive industry”

  • Kick-off meeting successfully takes place on April 24, 2025
  • Preliminary CWA draft was discussed with external experts
  • Open commenting phase for the final draft is envisaged to take place in July-Aug 2025
  • Publication of CWA is planned for the end of 2025, the document can then be downloaded for free (link will be made available)

 

Contact person in CircUits:

Sarah Köhler

https://www.din.de/en/circ-uits-913832

Dr. Christian Grunewald