The Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV) is the Swiss umbrella organization, established in 1919 as non-profit organization under private law. There are over 650 collective members from all branches of industry and the service sector. Other members of SNV include associations and institutions, as well as public companies and administrative authorities.
The structure of standardization in Switzerland is based on a decentralized system with delegated responsibilities within autonomous standards sectors. The secretariats of such standards bodies are incorporated in relevant professional associations or with SNV.
SNV is responsible for coordination, publication, distribution, registration and sale of standards and relevant documents, organizing meetings and seminars and representing sectoral and national interests in the field of standardization.
SNV is a member of ISO, the International Organization for Standardization and of CEN, the European Committee for Standardization.
In accordance with the Federal Notification Act, SNV is mandated to operate the notification procedure for technical regulations and relevant standards and to act as the national WTO Inquiry Point.
The Role of SNV in Standardization
The Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV) is Switzerland’s national organization for standardization. As a full member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the SNV ensures international cooperation in the area of standardization.
Furthermore, the SNV represents the interests of its members as a vehicle for Swiss business and society to exert influence in national, European and international standards bodies.
Without this possibility for SNV members to have a say, Switzerland would suffer a disadvantage in, or be excluded altogether from, the process of international standardization. This would considerably weaken the power of innovation in Swiss business. For a country like Switzerland that relies heavily on its exports, it is particularly important to keep up to date with standardization at all times.
The SNV:
promotes self-regulation: the SNV’s main activity is standardization. Swiss, European and international standards are developed in direct cooperation with users. This process is to ensure that the standards will generate permanent benefits. At the same time, it is aimed at abolishing unnecessary regulations and preventing meaningless ones. This standardization process, accessible to all, addressed the needs of the world of technology and the services sector.
makes flexible and customer-driven use of pre-defined processes: professional standardization is based on internationally recognized processes. Self-regulation can be a sensible complement to legislation only if it follows these processes. Proper handling of standardization business calls for skills and experience. The SNV makes these skills available to Swiss business and society.
provides information and support: the SNV assists you in keeping on track when wading through the thickets of laws, regulations and directives. The idea is to promote clear understanding of the global requirements for marketable products and services.
