CEN/CLC Guide 30:2015

European Guide on Standards and Regulation - Better regulation through the use of voluntary standards - Guidance for policy makers

Scope

This guide offers an introduction to the use of market-based standards in the implementation of legislation and public policy (‘regulation’) within the European Union, EFTA, their member states and other countries following European single market rules.
In the context of the European single market, European Standards, as defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1025/2012, are tools that enable trade and promote the competitiveness of business and industry. They are developed for and by interested parties through formal processes managed by the European Standardization Organizations.
In addition to the benefits that standards bring to the market, their use can also support the implementation of legislation and public policy, in particular better/smart regulation.
Standards are voluntary tools of the market whereas legislation is the prerogative of the public authorities and is mandatory in application. The responsiveness of standards to the needs of the market is therefore the critical factor in their effectiveness as a support for better regulation: public authorities recognize that the broad acceptance and use of standards can meet their policy objectives.
The use of standards in implementing legislation and public policy can bring a wide range of benefits to policy makers, including:
- broad market acceptance;
- simplification of legislation or policy;
- support to emerging technologies and the promotion of innovative approaches, without the need to change the regulatory framework;
- a close link to international standards, enabling international market access and thus promoting the global competitiveness of the European industry.
This can be achieved either through co-regulation, where legislation recognizes the role of standards (e.g. European New Approach to technical harmonization), or through self-regulation, where the market delivers a solution to public policy needs.
This CEN-CENELEC guide is a non-binding reference document. Any questions about the subject matter should be addressed to CEN and CENELEC directly.