The Standardisation Working Party is aiming at developing a common terminology (definitions) and scope of works, which is of direct relevance to the firms.

The current complex national regulatory regimes and the varying practices and habits which set the framework for the provision of engineering consultancy services in the Member States tend to dissuade engineering consultancy firms from cross-border activities. Harmonisation of various practices, and in particular the development of common terminology and scope of works, may be an appropriate way to remove obstacles to cross-border operations.

The European Commission gave a mandate to the CEN (European Standardisation Committee) to conduct a feasibility study on standardisation in the services sector.

EFCA has supported the resulting ‘Feasibility and opportunity to develop a standardisation work programme concerning engineering consultancy services in Europe’.  This project has been led by AFNOR (the French standarisation body within CEN).

The standardisation approach ties in with the general EU objective to reduce regulatory and administrative barriers to cross-border service provision (e.g. insurance coverage).

In December 2007 the project began a consultation phase with stakeholders.  Various workshops were held in the first quarter of 2008.

The conclusions of the study and recommendations for further action were presented to stakeholders at a meeting in April 2008.

The Final Report will be submitted by AFNOR to the European Commission mid-2008.

Activity Report 2007 - 2008 (PDF)

Background to the study and first results

Member List