• About Us

    About Us

    Small Business Standards (SBS) is the voice of European SMEs in the standardisation process.

    Our Structure

    Meet our Members, Experts and the Team who contribute to the work and mission of Small Business Standards.

    Contact Us

    Find out how to reach us

  • Standards & SMEs

    About Standards

    Standards are everywhere and cover many topics, products and services. From quality management systems and tattooing services to screw head sizes or safety of childcare articles or machinery.

    CE Marking

    The CE marking is an indicator that a product complies with EU legislation and enables the free movement of products within the European Market

    How are Standards Drafted

    Standards are the result of a consensus-building process involving different interests and stakeholders. Understand the process for the development of standards and how to get involved.

    Standardisation Bodies....

    Explore the network of European, International and National standardisation bodies developing standards on diverse topics across different sectors.

    How to Find a Standard

    Discover where and how to get a specific standard on a topic of interest to your specific sector and information on ongoing standardisation work.

    FAQ

    Everything you always wanted to know about standards, their impact on European SMEs and their role in the economy (but were afraid to ask).

  • Focus Areas

    Horizontal Topics

    Discover main horizontal topics of importance for small businesses in which SBS   is actively working to ensure SME views and interests are considered in standardisation and related legislation.

    Sectors

    Discover our impact across standardisation in a wide range of industries, and how we disseminate crucial information, and shape European policies to support SMEs’ competitiveness and facilitate their digital and green transition.

    Projects

    Discover the projects SBS is actively engaged in. Our initiatives span from advancing standardisation across diverse technology sectors to enhancing partnerships that integrate research, innovation, and standardisation. Each project emphasizes our dedication to amplifying SME participation and impact in standardisation.

  • Tools

    Learning Materials

    Enhance your knowledge of standardisation with our suite of learning tools. Tailored to the needs of SMEs, these educational resources provide the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the standardisation process and learn about standards in a specific area.

    Standardisation requests

    SBS constantly monitors new and existing standardisation requests to ensure SME concerns and key aspects are included during the consultation process.

    SME Compatibility Test for Standards

    SBS has developed a test for the assessment of the compatibility of standards with SME needs. Test a standard to see if it can be easily applied by smaller companies!

    Useful External Resources

    Discover the information and services that standards bodies offer SMEs to facilitate their access to standards and  standardisation.In 2010, CEN and CENELEC adopted the so-called Guide 17, a list of recommendations that standards makers should consider when writing standards to ensure they meet SME needs. The guide was also adopted by ISO and IEC in 2016. Guide 17 is available in several European languages.

    Monitoring Standards

    The monitoring of standards is an essential tool for SMEs and their associations providing them with a centralised hub for information on relevant new standardisation developments.

  • Publications

    Position Papers

    SBS aims at influencing EU policies to ensure the needs of SMEs are taken into consideration. SBS position papers offer insights and recommendations on key issues impacting SMEs and standardisation.

    Studies

    Discover insightful studies that present in-depth analysis and research findings on standards, their impact on SMEs and SME priorities.

    Newsletters

    The SBS newsletter provides an overview of the latest and most important European SME-related standardisation news and announcements. To reach out to the largest possible audience, the content is provided in several languages.

    Brochures

    Browse our brochures to find out more about Small Business Standards, its work and for concise overviews on other relevant topics.

    SME Guides

    The SME Guides and learning materials provide practical and easy-to-understand information on standards, standardisation and related topics.

    Annual Reports

    SBS’ annual reports provide a comprehensive summary of the association’s activities, achievements and impact over the past years, demonstrating its continuous commitment to SMEs.

  • Latest

    News

    Keep up to date with the latest news from SBS!
    In this section, we provide you with the latest SME standardisation-related developments.

    Events

    SBS provides opportunities for learning and networking in the area of standardisations. Check out our upcoming seminars, workshops and events.

    Press Releases

    SBS regularly issues press releases featuring important announcements, news, and updates on standardisation and its impact on SMEs.

     
  • Member Area

    Latest

    Stay informed with the Latest News from Small Business Standards (SBS), where we bring you the most recent updates, developments, and insights in the world of SME standardisation and advocacy.

    SBS Structure

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Member Area

Category: News

Commission interpretation on placing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) category III products on the market burdens SMEs

23 May 2023

May 23, 2023

Brussels, 23 May 2023 – Small Business Standards (SBS) today published a position paper highlighting the obstacles that emerge from the European Commission’s interpretation disclosed on 2 May 2022 regarding conformity assessment procedures for new PPE category III products. According to SBS, the new reading hinders European SMEs from placing this type of equipment onto the market.

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Views and opinions expressed are those of Small Business Standards (SBS) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EFTA. Neither the European Union nor EFTA can be held responsible for them.