Standards

Standards are agreements made by manufacturers, traders and consumer organisations about standardising processes in their area of expertise. Standards contribute towards uniformity, safety and sustainability of products and production methods. Standardisation allows companies to exchange knowledge and technologies and enter new markets more easily.

The Dutch government may refer to standards in laws and regulations.

Netherlands Standardisation Institute (NEN)

The Netherlands Standardisation Institute (Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut, NEN) supports the process of standardisation. NEN develops and manages the standards. In return for payment, NEN provides the standards in paper and digital form.

International standards

NEN represents the Netherlands in international standardisation networks, such as ISO. EU countries are obliged to follow the European standards.