Activities and Competencies
DIN has over 90 years' experience developing standards, providing tried-and-true, widely accepted standardization procedures within an effective infrastructure.
Activities
DIN is the "project manager" for German standardization
It is DIN's responsibility to efficiently organize standards work in Germany. It does so by providing tried-and-true, widely accepted procedures within an effective infrastructure. DIN is the meeting place for all stakeholders in standardization and must see that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into consideration. The staff of DIN's standards committees organize work in various working groups and other bodies in which norms and standards are developed. The DIN staff also makes sure that the rules of procedure are observed, ensuring that the results of standardization reflect the state of technology, are in accordance with anti-cartel laws, and maintain democratic legitimacy. Staff members watch over and support each stage in the workflow, making sure that committee work is quickly documented and deadlines are met. Other tasks carried out by DIN's staff members include setting up a work programme and budget plan for the Standards Committees with the approval of the steering committees.
DIN makes its standardization results available for purchase via its publishing house, Beuth Verlag, which also sells harmonized European Standards, the International Standards issued by ISO, national standards from countries across the world, and technical rules issued by other German organizations. Most of the larger standards collections are also available in electronic format and can be downloaded. Proceeds from the sales of standards are one of the largest contributions to DIN's income.
DIN provides many of the secretariats in European and international organizations
DIN provides leadership by holding secretariats of Technical Committees in European and international organizations, where DIN's experienced staff help efficiently organize European and international standards work.
• DIN's staff ensure that the statutes and guidelines of European and international standards work are observed.
• It prepares, conducts and follows up meetings of European and international standards bodies and of the national mirror committees.
• It carries out all formal voting procedures.
DIN ensures the uniformity of technical rules
DIN coordinates the activities of various bodies, thus avoiding duplication of work and inconsistency in the standards, for standards users need a uniform collection of technical rules.
DIN has access to other standards collections and important technical documents. It gives advice regarding regulations, similar standards, guidelines and other technical documents. DIN ensures that any conflicts with or duplication of existing documents are avoided.
DIN provides the electronic infrastructure for standards development
The wide use of electronic tools has enormously improved efficiency. DIN develops these tools and coordinates their use with other standards organizations. It also provides the infrastructure for the "electronic" standards committees, and organizes training and support for the users of the electronic tools.
Competencies
Ensuring anti-cartel laws are observed:
DIN is a "rationalization association" in accordance with Germany's "Act against Restraints of Competition (ARC)" and is allowed to recommend the use of one or more standards.
Developing standards that are widely accepted:
Because DIN takes the state of technology into consideration, ensures the participation of all stakeholders and uses the consensus process, its standards are widely accepted and trusted in both the public and private sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises and consumers.
Ensuring the democratic legitimacy of standards:
The consensus process with its procedures for making objections and arbitration procedures lends DIN's standards their democratic legitimation, increasing their value particularly as regards consumer protection, occupational health and safety, and the environment.
Playing a role in product liability issues:
Because product safety laws and regulations often refer to the technical details contained in DIN Standards, these often play a role in product liability issues.
Ensuring global acceptance of standards:
Because German experts are so active in European and international standardization, DIN's international recognition and acceptance has increased. In fact, DIN is one of the most active standardization organizations worldwide.