The plan will also improve the process for joint assessment and citation of harmonised standards.

For the standards system to work to its full potential, it is important that references to harmonised standards in the Official Journal of the European Union are published in a timely manner. However, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of non-cited harmonised standards. That is why the European Commission, in cooperation with the 3 European Standardisation Organisations (ESOs), CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, have developed an Action Plan aiming to provide both structural solutions to decrease the stock of non-cited harmonised standards, and a more transparent, accountable process for smooth citation in the future.

Steps will also be taken to improve the functionality of the data and IT support tools for the standardisation process. The EU remains strongly committed to boost opportunities for citizens and business through a deeper and fairer Single Market where standards are key.

Standardisation contributes to the strong competitive position of European industry worldwide and affects everyone – industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and consumers – whether directly or indirectly.

Products manufactured in compliance with harmonised European standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with corresponding essential requirements of the applicable Union harmonisation legislation. This is unique in the world and a major strength of the Single Market in the EU.