What is the difference between BS EN ISO and EN ISO

In the world of international standards, various organizations work to develop and publish guidelines and specifications that govern different industries. Two commonly referenced sets of standards are BS EN ISO and EN ISO. While they may sound similar, there are distinctive differences between them. In this article, we will explore these differences, focusing on their origins, development processes, and applicability.

Origins of BS EN ISO and EN ISO

BS EN ISO stands for 'British Standard European Norm International Organization for Standardization.' It refers to a set of standards developed collaboratively by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). On the other hand, EN ISO stands for 'European Norm International Organization for Standardization,' and it represents standards developed solely by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with ISO.

Development Processes

The development processes for BS EN ISO and EN ISO standards are slightly different. BS EN ISO standards are primarily based on existing British Standards, which are reviewed and modified to align with international requirements. The BSI acts as the national standards body of the United Kingdom, responsible for adopting and publishing these standards.

On the contrary, EN ISO standards are developed through a consensus-based process within the European Committee for Standardization. This process involves stakeholders from various European countries who contribute their expertise and knowledge to create harmonized standards applicable across Europe.

Applicability of BS EN ISO and EN ISO

The applicability of BS EN ISO and EN ISO standards varies depending on geographical regions and industries. BS EN ISO standards are mainly adopted and used in the United Kingdom and other countries that follow British standardization practices.

EN ISO standards, on the other hand, are specifically developed for European markets and are typically adopted by European Union (EU) member states. These standards are designed to ensure product conformity and safety across the European Economic Area.

Conclusion

In summary, BS EN ISO and EN ISO represent two sets of standards with distinct origins, development processes, and applicability. BS EN ISO standards are jointly developed by BSI and ISO, primarily based on existing British Standards. On the contrary, EN ISO standards are developed by CEN in collaboration with ISO and are specifically tailored for European markets. Understanding these differences is essential for organizations operating within specific regions or industries to ensure compliance with relevant standards.