What is the difference between EN ISO and ISO?

When it comes to international standards, many professionals in technical fields often encounter abbreviations such as EN ISO and ISO. These abbreviations play a crucial role in various industries, ensuring that products, processes, and services meet standardized requirements.

Understanding ISO:

The International Organization for Standardization, widely known as ISO, develops and publishes international standards that aim to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services. ISO collaborates with experts from various industries globally to establish consensus-based standards for different areas.

Introduction to EN ISO:

The prefix "EN" in EN ISO stands for European Norm. It indicates that the standard is specifically adopted by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and aligns with the regulatory requirements within the European Union (EU). EN ISO standards are based on existing or harmonized ISO standards, which means they are essentially the same but may include additional requirements specific to the EU market.

The Key Differences:

One key difference between EN ISO and ISO lies in their applicability. While ISO standards are recognized worldwide, EN ISO standards have direct legal implications within the EU member states. EN ISO standards need to be implemented and complied with by organizations operating within the EU market to meet legal requirements.

Another significant difference lies in the adoption process. ISO standards are developed through a global consensus-building approach involving multiple countries, whereas EN ISO standards undergo a process of adoption, either by endorsement or by complete re-drafting to incorporate European market needs.

Moreover, when it comes to numbering, ISO assigns numeric values to its standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management systems. In contrast, EN ISO uses the same numeric values assigned by ISO but adds a prefix, such as "EN ISO 9001" to indicate that it is the European version of that particular ISO standard.

In summary, while both EN ISO and ISO play essential roles in standardization, their differences lie in the geographical application and adoption process. Understanding these differences is crucial for organizations operating within the EU market to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.