NEn

NEN, short for Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut, is the Netherlands’ national standardization body. It develops and publishes Dutch standards, known as NEN standards, and coordinates the adoption of European and international standards within the Netherlands. The organization works to align Dutch practices with European norms (EN standards) and international standards from ISO and IEC, helping to ensure consistency, safety, and interoperability across sectors.

NEN’s activities include standard development, publication, and maintenance, as well as conformity assessment services such as testing, certification, and inspection. It engages with industry, government, and consumer groups to identify priorities, gather expertise, and promote quality, safety, and innovation. In addition to standards, NEN provides information services, training, and guidance to help organizations implement and comply with relevant requirements.

Internationally, NEN represents the Netherlands in standardization work through partnerships with ISO, IEC, and CEN, contributing Dutch expertise and ensuring national interests are considered in global norms. Dutch standards frequently appear as NEN-EN or NEN-ISO designations, reflecting the combination of national and international input.

Areas covered by NEN standards span construction, electrical and mechanical engineering, information security, environmental management, health and safety, energy efficiency, and consumer products, among others. Access to standards is typically via purchase or subscription, with additional resources such as summaries and guidance often available publicly. NEN plays a central role in shaping Dutch compliance frameworks and supporting industry-wide quality and reliability.