TSE CEN/CLC Guide 23

TSE CEN/CLC Guide 23 is a horizontal guide on how third-party specifications can be bridged into European Standardization Publications. It does not define a product standard; instead, it provides a framework for how CEN and CENELEC should think about accepting external specifications and turning them into recognized standardization outputs.

What third-party specifications mean in practice

In general technical terms, third-party specifications are documents created outside the formal European standardization system by a consortium, industry body, association, or similar organization. They may define interfaces, performance characteristics, terminology, or interoperability rules that are already used in the market. A bridge process is important because such documents must be assessed against standardization principles if they are to be adopted in a European context in a consistent and transparent way.

How the guide frames European publication routes

The guide identifies the elements that CEN and CENELEC should take into account when offering an efficient route for these specifications to become European Standards, Technical Specifications, or Workshop Agreements. The distinction matters: a European Standard usually implies a broader consensus level, while Technical Specifications and Workshop Agreements can serve different purposes and timeframes. Guide 23 is about the adoption framework and publication pathways, not about prescribing the technical content of any specific product or sector.

• Focuses on adoption of third-party specifications into European standardization publications.
• Addresses the elements CEN and CENELEC should consider in that process.
• Covers European Standards, Technical Specifications, and Workshop Agreements.
• Deals with the publication framework rather than product-specific requirements.
• Provides general standardization guidance for harmonization and structured adoption.