To specify the actions required to prepare, approve, publish and update a Technical Specification (CEN/TS).

1 PROCESS (Flowchart)

1.1 The BT or TC decides to develop a CEN/TS and allocates the work to a drafting body (e.g. a TC/WG). The CEN/TS is included as a work item in the work programme.

The decision to develop a CEN/TS may be the result of a failure to gain consensus/approval of a draft European Standard (prEN).

1.2 The drafting body either:

a) drafts the CEN/TS in one of the CEN official languages and in accordance with CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations – Part 3; or

b) edits and adapts the FprCEN/TS on the basis of the failed prEN.

1.3 The TC Secretary submits the FprCEN/TS via the Submission Interface, in the relevant reference language version, to CCMC for processing in two electronic formats, an agreed revisable WORD file (use of the CEN simple template is obligatory) and a non-revisable PDF file together with separate figure files, if any. BSI, AFNOR and DIN are automatically notified thereof.

1.4 CCMC checks that all the documentation and electronic files have been supplied, and that the deliverable corresponds to the database records.

1.5 CCMC allocates a reference number and sends the edited electronic documents via E-Trans to the relevant National Standards Bodies (NSBs) in order to trigger the translation procedure of the remaining 2 official CEN language versions.

1.6 The relevant NSBs prepare the translations and return them via E-Trans to CCMC within the specified timescales (normally 8 weeks).
In the case of unavailable translations, the relevant NSBs will supply at least the translations of the title.

1.7 On receipt of the translations or immediately after the expiry of the time period, CCMC dispatches the FprCEN/TS in the available language versions to the CEN Members, the Partner Organizations, the Affiliates, the EC and EFTA Secretariat, the TC Chairperson and the TC Secretary. This is done via E-Trans, Projex-Online and (h)APIs on a weekly basis.
CCMC also ensures that a corresponding ballot is open on the E-balloting platform.

Late incoming translations to CCMC are circulated at the next available opportunity.

1.8 The CEN Members submit their vote and their comments, prepared using the Commenting Form on the E-Balloting platform within the prescribed 3-month period. The CEN Members are required to cast unconditional votes and to justify any abstention or negative vote. In exceptional cases, an extension of one month may be allowed. Such requests shall be sent to production@cencenelec.eu.

The E-balloting system automatically closes the vote once the deadline is reached. One day after the deadline of the Formal Vote, CCMC establishes the voting report, compiles the comments and dispatches both the voting report and the comments via E-Trans, Projex-Online and (h)APIs to the CEN Members, the Partner Organizations, the Affiliates, the EC and EFTA Secretariat, the TC Chairperson and TC Secretary.

1.9 If the FprCEN/TS is approved, CCMC (in consultation with the TC Secretary) incorporates the editorial changes in the reference language version. The finalized text is sent by CCMC to the TC Secretary for a 3-week proofing period.

NOTE: By default CCMC is responsible for finalizing the publication of all CEN/TS deliverables. The TC may exceptionally finalize the publication text but only following notification to CCMC, and agreement therewith, of its intention to take onboard this responsibility.

If, during the voting period, comments are received that request an alteration of the technical content of the (F)prCEN/TS, the CCMC Publications Unit will not take these into account. The CCMC Publications Unit will only implement purely editorial comments. No technical changes shall be made to the text following a positive approval procedure. The TC shall take into account any technical comments in a future revision of the text.
Exactly one month after a positive voting result has been circulated, the text is considered ratified (dor = date of ratification).

If the FprCEN/TS is not approved, the TC decides by taking a decision by simple majority on one of the following options:

• To redraft the FprCEN/TS (go back to 1.2);
• to process it as an alternative deliverable;
• to stop the work.

NOTE: For work items mandated or covered by a Grant Agreement, changing the type of deliverable and stopping the work requires approval by the BT.

1.10 CCMC sends the 'stable' and approved reference language version via E-Trans to AFNOR, BSI and DIN for translation, as appropriate.

1.11 The relevant NSBs prepare the translations and return them via E-Trans to CCMC within the specified timescales (normally 4 weeks).
In the case of unavailable translations, the relevant NSBs will supply at least the translations of the title.

1.12 On receipt of the translations or immediately after expiry of the time period, CCMC dispatches the CEN/TS in the available language versions to the CEN Members, the Partner Organizations, the Affiliates, the EC and EFTA Secretariat, the TC Chairperson and the TC Secretary. This is done via E-Trans, Projex-Online and (h)APIs on a weekly basis.

Late incoming translations to CCMC are circulated at the next available opportunity.

1.13 CEN Members announce the existence of the CEN/TS in the same way as for the EN and make the CEN/TS available.

1.14 The CEN/TS is not amended but replaced by a new edition with the same number and new date of edition.
Corrigenda are possible.

1.15 The Technical Specification shall be reviewed at least every three years.