Standardization plays a key role in the MEM industries. A survey conducted among Swissmem members shows that 96% of those companies apply standards in the manufacture of their products. 44% of the companies that took part in the survey are involved in drafting and revising standards. This takes place on a voluntary basis. Standardization in the MEM industries mainly takes place under the auspices of the European standardization bodies – CEN and CENELEC – and in accordance with ISO at the international level. Via “mirror committees” Swiss companies can also influence how international standards are structured.

The Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV)

The Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV) is Switzerland’s national organization for standardization. Mechanical engineering constitutes a separate 'area of expertise' within the SNV, and Swissmem is the main stakeholder. Other specialist areas include construction (SIA), roads and transportation (VSS), the watch-making industry (FH), electrical engineering (electrosuisse) and telecommunications (asut). The organizations responsible for the areas of expertise generally run their own SNV Standards Committee. In the mechanical engineering field, however, SNV manages the body of industry standards on behalf of Swissmem and provides the infrastructure for standardization work. The Swissmem Technical Harmonization Committee monitors the SNV and provides it with support in fulfilling its mandate.