The Standards world in 2021

The British Standards Institute (BSI) is responsible for over 37,000 British Standards, 85% of which are also European or International standards. The United Kingdom (through BSI representation) plays a major role in the development of regional and international standards through its participation in organisations such as CEN and CENELEC in Europe and ISO and IEC internationally.

CEN and CENELEC are responsible for developing European (EN) Standards. They are not European Union agencies, they are regional standards organisations providing a platform for 34 European countries to develop industry standards, which are either based on international standards or ‘home-grown’ if no international standard exists - these are then adopted as National standards in each country.

Brexit will not affect the UK’s role in European Standards development. The UK will continue as a member of CEN and CENELEC and to shape and develop the standards. FIRA experts will continue to chair or actively participate in all European and International Standards that concern furniture, anthropometry or Ergonomics sectors.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis currently all meetings are held virtually, which has enabled standard development work to continue.

FIRA members can access full details of all the key areas below.