Cen-Cenelec SME Helpdesk

CEN and CENELEC are delighted to announce the launch of the CEN-CENELEC SME Helpdesk, which will provide on-demand advice and information to support European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) on standardization related issues.

The task of the SME Helpdesk will be to introduce European SMEs to the knowledge and business tools required to access the European Standardization System of CEN and CENELEC through:

free information, with links to brochures and presentations;

first-line advice through consultation of appropriate experts via e-mail;

investigation of other support measures, including training and  mentoring to help European SMEs which wish to understand more and contribute to European standardization.

Services provided by the SME Helpdesk are free of charge and are offered either online or by telephone. The SME Helpdesk will respond to enquiries within 5 working days. A dedicated e-mail address has been set up at and a dedicated webpage has been launched: www.cen.eu/go/sme 

The management of the SME Helpdesk is under the responsibility of the CEN-CENELEC Innovation Department, which will ensure coordination with dedicated SME ‘Envoys' at national level tasked with responding to enquiries. The SME Helpdesk will also provide a range of practical training tools in web-based format and training workshops. The creation of the CEN-CENELEC SME Helpdesk is the first outcome of a newly formed CEN-CENELEC SME-Working Group.

About CEN

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Its mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens, and the environment. Through its services CEN provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications. CEN's 31 National Members work together to develop voluntary European Standards (ENs) in various sectors to build a European Internal Market for goods and services and to position Europe in the global economy. By supporting research, and helping disseminate innovation, standards are a powerful tool for economic growth. More than 60.000 technical experts as well as business federations, consumer and other societal interest organizations are involved in the CEN network that reaches over 480 million people.

About CENELEC 

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization is officially responsible for standardization in the electrotechnical field. In an ever more global economy, CENELEC fosters innovation and competitiveness, making technology available not only to major businesses but also to SMEs through the production of voluntary standards. CENELEC creates market access at the European level but also at the international level through its cooperation agreement with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Through the work of its 31 Members together with its experts, the industry federations and consumers, Electrotechnical European Standards are created in order to help shape the European Internal Market, to encourage technological development, to ensure interoperability and to guarantee the safety and health of consumers and provide environmental protection.

For more information, please contact:
Elisabeth Brodthagen – Unit Manager – Communication CEN-CENELEC
Tel.: + 32 – 2 – 519 6890  –     

Abigail Mamo –