Standards are documented, generally voluntary agreements which establish the criteria for products, services and procedures. Standards can be used to guarantee that products and services are fit for purpose, comparable and compatible.

A norm is a rule that can be applied to resolve a specific situation, which is legally recognised on all sides, has been agreed by a standardisation procedure, can be generally applied and is in the public domain. A standard must be technically sophisticated and provide a benefit to users. All stages of a standardisation procedure must be worked through, agreed and then published.

The term Standard comes from the English usage. A standard is a widely accepted and applied rule or norm. In general usage the term is a synonym for a technical standard and can also be used to mean an industrial standard and "manufacturer-specific (proprietary) standard":

An international standards organisation is ISO, a national organisation is DIN for example (list of DIN standards). [... more]

Standards are developed as required - whether by an important economic sector or by the market. Or it may be a matter of public interest.
So it is conceivable, for example, that a standard is required in industry in order to guarantee the interoperability of a product or service.

It is also conceivable for the market to use standards to enable fair competition.

The public benefits from standards which improve the quality and safety of products or services.

We have listed below the key standards for plant and machinery safety - to the best of our knowledge and belief:

• Generic standards
• Standards for functional safety
• Standards for electrical safety
• ... more to follow shortly

Industry is prompted to apply standards when they aid competition. In such cases, standards help to improve quality and/or safety.

The authorities are prompted to apply standards when they help in the implementation of legal regulations. So European standards are also developed with the aim of simplifying compliance with European law in areas such as the internal market.