CEN and CENELEC have collaborated with their quality infrastructure counterparts to develop a common concept for the European Quality Infrastructure Network. Quality infrastructure plays a key role in driving economic growth, protecting the environment and improving social well-being.
The European Quality Infrastructure Network serves the European Single Market, enabling it to function more efficiently. It facilitates international trade and supports businesses and policymakers in meeting the challenges and expectations of the future. Thanks to this network, European consumers have access to products with high standards of quality, safety and reliability.
It is built on five main pillars, which are: Metrology, Standardization, Accreditation, Conformity Assessment and Market Surveillance. Each pillar is represented by dedicated organisations that cooperate to ensure the harmonised functioning of the system:
Together, these organisations ensure that quality, safety and environmental protection are implemented as criteria by organisations across Europe. Their cooperation enables the production and provision of safe and reliable products and services, while also fostering innovation and facilitating trade at national and international levels.
The Role of Standards in Quality Infrastructure
The value of standardization lies in its technical and voluntary nature. Standards are documents that describe requirements for products, services, technologies or processes, which are used on a voluntary basis. The public sector, businesses and society as a whole benefit from standards.
By improving the safety and quality of products, standards create trust among market participants and reduce transaction costs. They also help reduce barriers to trade and enable businesses to enter new markets or strengthen their position in existing markets.
Shqip