Is BS EN the same as EN?

In the field of technical standards, there are often various acronyms and abbreviations that can be confusing to newcomers. One such example is BS EN and EN, which are commonly used in Europe when referring to technical standards. However, are BS EN and EN really the same thing?

The Difference between BS EN and EN

BS EN stands for British Standard European Norm whereas EN stands for European Norm. Both BS EN and EN refer to the same set of standards published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The difference lies in the origin and ownership of these standards.

BS EN standards are British adoptions of European Norms. This means that they are identical in content and technical specifications but have been officially adopted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) as the national standards in the UK. Therefore, BS EN standards have the same technical requirements as their EN counterparts, but they may also include additional information specific to the UK market.

In contrast, EN standards are developed and published directly by CEN without any specific national adaptations. They are intended to be used and accepted across all European countries, providing a harmonized set of technical specifications for products and services. EN standards ensure consistency and interoperability within the European market.

Which one should you follow?

In most cases, it is recommended to follow the EN standards rather than the BS EN standards. This is because the EN standards have a broader scope and allow for easier international trade and collaboration. By following the EN standards, businesses can ensure that their products or services meet the requirements not only of the UK market but also of other European countries.

However, there may be instances where specific regulations or local requirements necessitate compliance with BS EN standards. In such cases, it is important to be aware of any additional provisions included in the BS EN standards that may not be present in the corresponding EN standards.

Conclusion

In summary, BS EN and EN are closely related but not exactly the same. BS EN refers to British adoptions of European Norms, while EN refers to the original European standards published by CEN. Both sets of standards have the same technical requirements, but BS EN standards may also contain additional information specific to the UK market. When in doubt, it is generally preferable to follow the EN standards for their broader applicability across Europe.