What is a harmonised standard and why does it matter?

A harmonised standard is a standard adopted by one of the European Standardisation Organisations (ESOs). Certain (but not all) harmonised standards are referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union by the European Commission. Harmonised standards referenced in this way provide products that conform with them a presumption of conformity with the requirements covered by those standards. Harmonised standards may be referenced with restrictions, in which case they only provide partial presumption of conformity. The presumption of conformity provided by harmonised standards referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union is why it is expected that most organisations will choose to implement such standards when they exist, to comply with the CRA.

However, not all harmonised standards are referenced. Those that are not referenced are often foundational standards upon which other standards build. In general, only the vertical (product-specific) standards are referenced, though sometimes horizontal standards that cover generic requirements may be referenced with restrictions.

The ORC WG maintains a list of harmonised standards requested by the European Commission to the ESOs.