What is the difference between BS EN and ISO standards ?

What is the difference between BS EN and ISO standards?

When it comes to technical specifications, there are several organizations that develop and promote standards. Two of the most important are the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). While both organizations have similar goals, they have different methods and criteria for developing and implementing these standards.

BS EN and ISO Standards

Definition:

BS EN stands for British Standards, which are specific to the United Kingdom. ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization, which is an international organization that develops and publishes standards.

BS EN ISO stands for European Norm for Information Technology, which is a type of standard that has been accepted and implemented not only in the United Kingdom but also across Europe.

Scope:

ISO standards have a broader scope as they aim to provide universal guidelines applicable across different industries and nations. On the other hand, EN standards have a narrower scope, focusing primarily on aligning technical specifications within the European Union.

BS ISO standards are intended for implementation within the European Union and have a regulatory aspect. They may be referenced in legislation, contracts, or trade agreements.

Adoption:

ISO standards are voluntary and can be adopted by any organization or industry worldwide. In contrast, EN standards are intended for implementation within the European Union and have a regulatory aspect. They may be referenced in legislation, contracts, or trade agreements.

BS ISO standards are specific to the United Kingdom and are only applicable within the country. BS EN ISO standards, on the other hand, have wider applicability and are recognized in multiple European countries, allowing for easier market access and regulatory compliance.

Differences between BS ISO and BS EN ISO:

Although BS ISO and BS EN ISO standards originate from the same international ISO standards, there are some key differences between them.

Applicability and Recognition:

BS ISO standards are generally applicable only in the United Kingdom and may not hold legal recognition in other countries. On the other hand, BS EN ISO standards have wider applicability and are recognized in multiple European countries, allowing for easier market access and regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, while both BS ISO and BS EN ISO standards are designed to ensure consistency and compliance within the European market, they have different scopes and levels of recognition. BS ISO standards are intended for implementation within the European Union and have a regulatory aspect, while BS EN ISO standards have a wider scope and are recognized in multiple European countries.