Source: CEN-CENELEC

Guide 17, a key document from CEN and CENELEC, aims to increase awareness for critical issues that are important to SMEs in the development of standards.

In recognition of World Standards Day on October 14, 2024, European standardisation committees CEN and CENELEC, and SBS – the European association representing SMEs in standardisation – released a video aimed at encouraging SME participation in the development of standards by promoting the use of Guide 17.

Guide 17 outlines several approaches to ensure SME needs are considered throughout the standardisation process, including:

• Information on preparing new projects.
• Points to consider when drafting standards.
• Guidance for content development.
• Recommendations for structuring and presenting content.
• Insights on the implications of standards.
• A final checklist to help standard writers address SME-specific needs.

To enhance accessibility, Guide 17 is available in multiple languages for free on the CEN and CENELEC website.

Additionally, a webinar will be held on November 29, 2024, organised by Small Business Standards alongside CEN and CENELEC, to discuss how Guide 17 supports SME-focused standards. This event will cover essential aspects of the guide, its significance in broader standard adoption, and the benefits of SME-friendly standards for all businesses. More details are available here.