European standard (EN)
An EN is valid for all European member states. Standardization bodies are obliged to adopt European standards nationally. For the Dutch market, European standards carry the code NEN-EN, for example. In Germany it is DIN-EN.
International standard (ISO or IEC)
An international standard is developed in an international context at ISO or IEC. Global standards do not require implementation in other countries. Documents accepted by the Netherlands are coded NEN-IS or NEN-IEC.
Some international standards are also accepted in Europe. These are identified by the code NEN-EN-ISO.
Technical Report (CN/TR or ISO/TR)
A Technical Report (TR) has an informative character. It is published when it appears desirable to make available certain information, such as technical data or an inventory of legal regulations and standards by country.
Technical Specification (CEN/TS or ISO/TS)
The Technical Specification (TS) is prepared for provisional application. The technical state of the art or consensus is not yet sufficient to issue a standard. The TS can also be used for rapid interim publication of the results of a standards development process.
Workshop appointment (CWA or IWA)
A CWA or IWA is developed in a CEN (European) ISO (international) workshop. These workshops are open to anyone who is interested in participating. CWAs and IWAs are often prepared as a precursor to an EN or ISO standard.
NEN Connect is an online database of the Netherlands Standardization Institute and the Stichting NEC; and provides access to:
Standards, are written-out, formal agreements for products and services.
The agreements are made so that everyone knows what to expect from everyone else. That it is safe, of good quality, efficient, sustainable and reliable and fits each other's products and services.
Standards are not only about products, but also about systems or services. From mining the raw material to far after you throw it away again, standards affect every part of the chain.
An example: you buy a light bulb and screw it into the socket of your lamp. The fact that it fits and works is because agreements have been made about the dimensions of both the bulb and the socket. Such a document with the agreements is called a standard and everyone who deals with light bulbs works with it. Thanks to standards, your bulb always fits, is safe and durable.