DIN Standards
Principles of standards work
The principles of standards work at DIN are as follows:
| Voluntary nature | Participation in standards work and the use of standards (in most cases) are both voluntary. |
| Openness | All standards proposals and draft standards are made public for comments before the final version is published. Those having comments or objections are asked to join in the negotiations, and every objection is to be discussed with the person making it. |
| Broad participation | DIN Standards are developed in Working Committees by external experts representing all stakeholders. Anyone can participate in this process. Arbitration procedures secure the rights of minority interests. |
| Consensus | The principles of standards work at DIN ensure fair procedures for all interested parties, the core aspect of which is guaranteeing a balanced consideration of all interests during the consensus-building process. The content of standards is thus laid down on the basis of mutual understanding and general agreement. |
| Uniformity and consistency | The collection of DIN Standards covers all technical disciplines. The rules of procedure in standards work ensure the uniformity and consistency of these standards. |
| Technical relevance | DIN Standards mirror reality. By definition, a technical standard must take general well-being into consideration and reflects not only what is technically possible, but also what is generally acceptable. |
| State of the art | Standardization takes account of current scientific knowledge and ensures the rapid implementation of new findings. DIN Standards document the current state of the art. |
| Market relevance | A standard is developed only where it is absolutely necessary, because standardization is not an end in itself. |
| Beneficial for society | DIN Standards always take the needs of society as a whole into consideration. The benefits to the general public take priority over the benefits of individuals. |
| International relevance | Standards work at DIN helps eliminate technical barriers to free global trade and within the European Single Market. This requires international and European Standards. |
| Compliance with anti-trust legislation | DIN's Statutes and rules of procedure ensure that our work is in full compliance with all relevant anti-trust laws. |
| High acceptance | Because all stakeholders are involved in their development, and because they are developed in consensus, DIN Standards are not only accepted by industry and the state, but by consumers as well. |
| Democratic legitimation | The consensus process with its public commenting, mediation and arbitration procedures lends a democratic legitimation to DIN's work results that is highly valued by users, especially in terms of consumer protection, environmental protection and occupational health and safety. |
