Stability for trade and standards making as BSI membership of key European standards associations confirmed

There is good news for standard users and makers across the UK and Europe.
Following the UK’s EU exit, an important recent decision by key European standards associations brings stability and continuity to trade and standards development.
The CEN and CENELEC General Assemblies have overwhelmingly confirmed the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) continued membership of the two associations from 1 January 2022.
This decision follows careful consideration by the CEN and CENELEC members, taking into account the impact of the UK’s exit from the EU and is consistent with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) agreed between the UK and the EU.

Clarity and confidence for trade and standards making

Continued BSI membership provides clarity and confidence for CEN and CENELEC’s stakeholders in the role of standards across Europe.
It will help the many businesses who trade with Europe enjoy a settled system and will also support the UK’s long-term contribution to European and international standards. All CEN and CENELEC’s stakeholders, including those from the UK, will continue to participate and contribute to standards development as today.
Under the new membership category, BSI retains all of its rights to run committees, to participate and to adopt ENs, the European standards  drafted and maintained by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization).

In practical terms, this means that the rights of BSI experts to contribute to European technical work continues, as does the right of BSI to propose new work items, apply to hold secretariats and to nominate committee chairs.

Certainty and continuity for UK standards stakeholders

Whereas there will be some changes to how BSI is represented in the governing bodies of CEN and CENELEC, BSI’s seat on the Technical Boards continues unchanged.

This decision provides certainty and continuity for UK stakeholders. It is fully in line with the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and supports the UK Designated Standards System which specifically refers to the role of European standards.

The UK’s new system of designated standards is based on the same set of European and international standards that are used as a voluntary means of compliance with regulation across Europe.

Global trade, climate change and emerging technologies

By continuing to work with 33 fellow CEN and CENELEC members at European and international level, BSI can support our common interests. These include important issues like increasing global trade, addressing the threat of climate change and seizing the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

Standards have always been the product of consensus and collaboration. This agreement ensures it is a fundamental strength that will continue to be enjoyed across Europe and the UK.

If you would like more information about standards and the UK’s EU exit, click here.
BSI Members can also turn to the Knowledge Centre’s information experts for answers on standards issues and queries as part of their membership.
To find out more about BSI’s role as the UK’s National Standards Body, click here.