keuren

Keuren is a Dutch verb meaning to inspect, examine, judge, or certify that something meets specified standards. The related noun keuring denotes the act of inspection or certification, and keurmerk refers to the quality mark that may be awarded after a successful evaluation. Keuren are performed in many domains, from vehicles to consumer goods and public safety, and they are often required by law or regulation.

In the automotive context, a keuring checks a vehicle's safety, roadworthiness and emissions. In the Netherlands, periodic vehicle inspections are carried out by the RDW or by authorized garages, and are commonly associated with the term APK. A passing outcome yields a certificate that allows the vehicle to be registered or continue to be used; failure requires repairs and a reinspection.

In product and service quality, keuring is used by independent certification bodies to verify conformity with national or international standards. A product that meets criteria may bear a keurmerk, signaling to consumers that it has been assessed for safety, reliability or performance. Keuring also occurs in food safety, environmental, and occupational health contexts, where inspectors verify compliance with rules and issue certificates or permits as appropriate.

Outcomes of a keuring can be a pass (goedgekeurd) or a fail (afgekeurd), sometimes accompanied by remedial actions or a new inspection appointment. The concept underpins quality control and consumer protection across sectors.

See also: keurmerk, keuringsdienst van Waren, RDW, APK, quality assurance.