FAQ | CEN-CENELEC JTC 21

Where can I find the list of all standards being drafted in JTC 21 ?

You can find the list here : https://standards.cencenelec.eu/ords/f?p=205:22:::::FSP_ORG_ID,FSP_LANG_ID:2916257,25&cs=114251C6C0B684FBBC069923513BF6348.

How can I join working groups (WGs)?

You need to contact your national standardization body, as each body defines its own registration process. List of national standardization bodies

I have late comments to submit. What should I do?

If you have missed the deadline by a few days, you can still contact the project leader and convenor with your comments. However, their consideration is not guaranteed.

When is the next WG or TC meeting?

Log in to the CEN portal (sd.iso.org/home/) and check the “Meetings” tab. If you are available, confirm your attendance via the portal and add the meeting details (date, time, and location) to your calendar.

Can I propose an agenda item for a WG meeting?

Yes, you can:

Can I propose an agenda item for a JTC 21 meeting?

Individuals cannot propose agenda items directly. To add a topic to the JTC 21 plenary meeting agenda:

  1. Check the deadline for national contributions in the “Documents” tab of the plenary meeting.
  2. If within the deadline, work with your mirror committee to establish a national position (e.g., “Country A requests the addition of a discussion on NLP to the agenda because…”).
  3. Your mirror committee submits the contribution to the JTC 21 secretariat.
  4. The JTC 21 adds the item to the agenda.

Can I request corrections to the meeting minutes?

You can suggest corrections to the secretariat if you notice significant errors or omissions. The goal is to ensure accuracy without excessive minor feedback.

How is consensus defined?

Consensus is defined as: “The absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the interested parties, and a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments.”

How is consensus achieved when experts disagree?

Consensus is built through discussions in meetings, considering both written and oral contributions. In a WG, the convenor facilitates consensus. In JTC 21, the Chair and secretariat lead this process. When opinions diverge, the Chair and secretariat reformulate options, can verify technical arguments. They also look for alternative formulations or explanatory comments. Voting is not allowed during meetings or consultations : a decision (the most consensual form possible) is proposed, and national delegations then can formulate formal oppositions.

JTC 21 has published a practical guide on achieving consensus: Guide to consensus in JTC 21

How can I track the progress of standards projects between plenary meetings?

You can participate in WG meetings working on the specific project and contribute to its development. The progress is often recorded in the OSD of the project.

What happens to the comments I submit through my mirror committee?

Comments from mirror committees are compiled and sent to the project leader once the comment phase is over. The project leader reviews all comments and starts a comments resolution meeting (CRM) phase, where each comment receives a response: “Accepted”, “Rejected”, “Noted”, or “OBE” (overtaken by events). During these meetings, the project leader may:

What does it mean to be part of a delegation?

Before European and/or international plenary meetings (at JTC, TC, and/or SC level), a meeting is organized within the mirror committee to prepare the delegation’s mandate. This mandate defines the national position on the agenda items. Participants in the plenary meeting are designated and mandated to defend the national position. They form the “national delegation”. Each delegation has a head of delegation (HoD) and delegates. During the plenary, only the HoD defends the delegation’s mandate.

How is my travel to face-to-face WG or JTC 21 meetings funded?

CEN/CENELEC does not cover travel expenses for experts attending meetings. However, all JTC 21 plenary meetings are held in hybrid mode to ensure inclusivity. You could also be eligible to StandICT funding : https://standict.eu/

How can I get training on standardization and the OSD tool?

OSD is the default tool for drafting European and international standards. It enables collaborative drafting and comment management directly on the text. CEN/CENELEC regularly organizes training workshops: OSD training sessions

Can I access standards for free as a JTC 21 member?

Generally, published standards are not free. However, WGs sometimes provide working versions of key standards for project work. To request access to a standard, send a justified request to the WG secretariat.

How much time do I need to participate in standardization?

Depending on your priorities and availability, you can participate in different ways. These are just examples, and you are free to choose how you want to be involved:

These roles can be combined depending on the topics and your availability.

This website is funded by the European Union under project number 101140954. The content of the website does not represent the opinion of the European Union and CEN-CENELEC, and the European Union and CEN-CENELEC are not responsible for any use that might be made of such content. The JTC 21 secretariat maintains the website. Questions regarding the content should be forwarded to the JTC 21 secretariat.