Affiliates 

Affiliation Status with CEN and CENELEC

One criterion for joining the EU is full integration in the European Standardization System (ESS) to ensure technical harmonization in the framework of the European Single Market. The National Standardization Bodies (NSBs) and National Electrotechnical Committees (NCs) of the countries formally recognized as potential candidates for EU membership can become a CEN and CENELEC “Affiliate”, according to the CEN-CENELEC Guide 12 'The concept of Affiliation with CEN and CENELEC'.
The CEN and CENELEC Affiliates are the closest partners of the EU. They target a high alignment with the CEN and CENELEC catalogues of standards and are willing to bring a meaningful contribution to the technical work of CEN and CENELEC Technical Committees.

Organizations that are not eligible for the Affiliation status are expected to become Companion Standardization Bodies of CEN and/or CENELEC.

Access the list and coordinates of:

 For a general overview of the CEN and/or CENELEC Affiliate status’ features and benefits, check our brochure.

Objectives

The objectives of this partnership are to:

  • Facilitate and encourage greater technical alignment with the European Standardization System (ESS), paving the way for a stronger positioning in negotiations over EU accession;
  • Foster trade with the Europe and beyond;
  • Support a progressive integration of Affiliates in the European Standardization System;
  • Encourage greater awareness and use of international and European standards.

Benefits

  • Gain direct access to CEN and CENELEC standards repositories;
  • Adopt European Standards as national standards without restriction;
  • Observer an unlimited number of CEN and/or CENELEC Technical Bodies
    (automatic access);
  • Participate in CEN and CENELEC General Assembly meetings as observers.

Would you like to become an Affiliate?

Check the CEN and CENELEC Guide 12 on 'The concept of Affiliation with CEN and CENELEC' for more details about the eligibility criteria, the application procedure as well as the right and obligations linked to the Affiliation with CEN and/or CENELEC.