Standards are used as rules, guidelines or definitions of characteristics to ensure that processed materials and services are fit for their purpose. These directives concentrate on fixing the essential requirements, e.g. establishing the necessary level of safety. The description of possible technical solutions for complying with the essential requirements of the directives is contained in voluntary standards elaborated and adopted by the European standardisation organisations, on the request of the Commission. The creation of European standards is not limited to supporting the process of technical harmonisation under the new approach directives or other Community policies. European standards are also drafted at the instigation of industry and other interested groups, and thus contribute to higher competitiveness and meet public demands for increased safety and quality.
Standards occupy a significant place in the life of consumers and businesses.
Standards in the Internal Market 1. A conformity assessment procedure enables the manufacturers to ensure that, when these products are placed on the market bearing a CE-Marking, they meet all the obligations of the directives including the essential requirements. Common rules for the affixing and use of the CE-Marking are also included. The list of such bodies is published in the Official Journal of the E.C. 2. Standardisation as a support to Community legislation The new approach in technical harmonisation recognises the importance of the use of harmonised standards as a guarantee of quality with regard to the essential safety requirements established by the directives.