Since 1988 a new series of 'mandatory' European standards (EN = Europaischen Normen) has been created, to replace national standards, such as BS, DIN, SS and NF, throughout 18 countries of Western Europe. EN are a part of the 'Single Market' legislation, designed to give equal opportunities for firms to compete throughout Europe, by harmonising the technical requirements between countries. The national standards bodies, of which BSI is one, are required to officially withdraw their national standards, when an EN is created with the same scope of application.

Consistent pattern of Standards
The aim is to produce a logical, common pattern,in which items are standardised in one document only, reference being made to this document from other standard. For example, tensile strength testing methods are standardised in a different document to material properties values, and dimensional tolerances in other separate standards. Thus, changed requirements need only to be written into one document.

Implementation of EN
The fact that BSI and the other national bodies publish EN does not compel people to use them. (Note the continued use of the BS 'Emergency Number' (also EN) series of steels years after they have been officially replaced}.   Only when suppliers and customers fully accept and understand European Standards, will it actually happen.