Valve manufacturers and end users throughout Europe are facing an era of significant technological development and a constant demand to be aware of and conform to changing standards and new legislation affecting the industry. The harmonization of standards throughout the European Union has seen the introduction of new directives that are being incorporated into the legislation of all member countries over the first few years of the 21st century. In addition, a substantial programme of new EU valve and materials standards are being developed by multinational working groups consisting of technical representatives from both manufacturer and user groups. New standards will apply to both valve design, test and certification requirements.