European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), was created in 1973 as a result of the merger of two previous European organizations: CENELCOM and CENEL. CENELEC is a non-profit technical organization set up under Belgian law and composed of the National Electrotechnical Committees of 31 European countries. In addition, 11 National Committees from neighboring countries are participating in CENELEC work with an Affiliate status.

CENELEC members have been working together in the interests of European harmonization since the 1950s, creating both standards requested by the market and harmonized standards in support of European legislation and which have helped to shape the European Internal Market. CENELEC works with 15,000 technical experts from 31 European countries. Its work directly increases market potential, encourages technological development and guarantees the safety and health of consumers and workers.

CENELEC’s mission is to prepare voluntary electrotechnical standards that help develop the Single European Market/European Economic Area for electrical and electronic goods and services removing barriers to trade, creating new markets and cutting compliance costs.