What is the difference between ISO and EN ISO standards ?

What is the difference between ISO and EN ISO standards?

When it comes to meeting the standards of quality and safety, businesses are often faced with the challenge of choosing between ISO and EN ISO standards. While both standards have their similarities, there are important differences that businesses should consider when deciding which one to follow.

ISO standards are globally recognized and can be adopted by organizations worldwide. In contrast, EN ISO standards are specifically tailored to the European market and hold relevance within the European Union. EN ISO standards are developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), which is composed of representatives from national standards bodies in European Union member states. These standards cover various fields, including materials, construction, electrical engineering, and information technology, among others.

ISO standards have a broader scope as they aim to provide universal guidelines applicable across different industries and nations. On the other hand, EN standards have a narrower scope, focusing primarily on aligning technical specifications within the European Union.

ISO standards are voluntary and can be adopted by any organization or industry worldwide. In contrast, EN standards are intended for implementation within the European Union and have a regulatory aspect. They may be referenced in legislation, contracts, or trade agreements.

The primary purpose of EN ISO standards is to harmonize and unify standards across European member states, eliminating technical barriers to trade within the European Union. Compliance with EN ISO standards is crucial for companies operating within the European Union.

In conclusion, the main difference between ISO and EN ISO standards is that they are tailored to specific markets within the European Union. ISO standards are universal and can be adopted by any organization worldwide, while EN ISO standards are specifically developed to meet the needs of the European market.