Overview[]
The European Committee for Standardization (Comité Européen de Normalisation or CEN) works to remove trade barriers for European industry and provide a platform for the development of European standards and technical specifications. It is the only recognized European organization according to Directive 98/34/EC for the planning, drafting and adoption of European standards in all areas of economic activity with the exception of electrotechnology (CENELEC) and telecommunication (ETSI).
CEN's 31 National Members work together to develop voluntary European standards (ENs). These standards have a unique status since they also are national standards in each of its 31 Member countries.