ÖNORM

An ÖNORM is a standard applicable in Austria. ÖNORM standards are issued by Austrian Standards and play a decisive role in safety, quality and innovation across all sectors of industry.

They serve as a guiding principle for companies and consumers alike, and help to make daily life safer and easier.

The ÖNORM is more than just a series of technical requirements; it is much more of a dynamic tool that is evolving all the time to take account of the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The origins of the ÖNORM

The history of ÖNORM standards dates back to the early 1920s, when the need for standardised products and procedures was becoming increasingly more evident in Austria's rapidly developing industrial landscape. The first ÖNORM standards aimed to standardise material qualities, manufacturing processes and safety standards in order to promote efficiency and reliability in production. These early standards mainly related to mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, which were amongst the driving forces of the Austrian economy at the time.

ÖNORM standards in practice

ÖNORM standards are issued as formalised documents, containing detailed technical specifications and guidelines. These documents serve as standard reference works for manufacturing companies, service providers, engineering firms and many other sectors besides.

Availability, formats and terms and conditions of use

ÖNORM standards exist mainly in electronic form to simplify access and usage. Electronic availability enables users to find and procure the documents they are looking for at speed, which is particularly useful in face-paced industrial environments. ÖNORM standards can be obtained and downloaded from the Austrian Standards website. Printed versions can also be ordered.

As publications with copyright protection, ÖNORM standards are subject to specific terms and conditions of use. When you purchase an ÖNORM, you are entitled to use the document for personal or internal commercial purposes. Reproduction, dissemination or public access, in particular online publication or sharing via networks, are not permitted without the relevant licensing agreements. These guidelines ensure that the integrity of the standards is maintained.

Legally binding nature

Although ÖNORM standards are generally recognised as best practices and industry standards, they are not legally binding per se. Their application is, however, binding if they are defined by means of legal specifications or in contracts. For example, specific ÖNORM standards may be cited in building contracts to ensure compliance with certain building standards. They may also be enshrined in statutory regulations, which prescribe their usage in certain sectors or under certain circumstances. In such cases, compliance with the ÖNORM standards is required by law.

ÖNORM standards often serve as the basis for the development of laws and regulations and thereby indirectly influence the statutory framework conditions applicable in Austria and beyond. In some sectors, standards are an integral part of the regulatory requirements and help to harmonise standards at national and international level.