Frequently Asked Questions about Standards, Subscription Services and Multi‑User Licenses (MUL)

General Questions about Standards

What is the difference between “SN EN ISO” and “DIN EN ISO”?

In content, EN standards are fundamentally identical (with the exception of construction standards). This means the technical content must not contain contradictions among the different national adoptions with the same edition. EN standards must be adopted as national standards by each country (CEN/CENELEC members). Differences may appear in the national foreword and/or annex.

What is the difference between, for example, “SN EN ISO 12100:2011” and “DIN EN ISO 12100:2011”?

The “SN EN ISO 12100:2011” was adopted by SNV into the Swiss standards system in January 2011. The “DIN EN ISO 12100:2011” was adopted by DIN into the German standards system in March 2011. Both standards are fundamentally identical (except construction standards); that is, the technical content may not differ across national adoptions with an identical edition.

How is a standard structured?

This is what a typical structure of a European standard looks like when published as a national standard.

Where can I find an EN standard?

Pure EN standards are not sold. EN standards must be adopted as national standards by each CEN/CENELEC member country. Differences may appear in the national foreword and/or annex, meaning “EN 123” becomes “SN EN 123”.

Do I need the corrigendum to the base standard?

Yes. A corrigendum is a correction to an existing standard and is generally provided free of charge.

Why can’t I find the standard in my desired language?

Not all standards are necessarily translated into the national language. Please contact us if you cannot find a standard in your desired language.

Is a purely national standard from another country valid in Switzerland?

National standards generally have only national relevance.

If I own a base standard, do I need all available amendments?

Yes—amendments include additions as well as corrections.

Can a draft standard be considered a valid standard?

No. It is merely a draft; changes may still occur before the publication of the final valid standard.

If an EN standard is available both as SN EN and DIN EN, which one should I use in Switzerland?

If you are working with it in Switzerland, we recommend using the Swiss national adoption, i.e., the SN EN version.

When I purchase a standard, am I allowed to copy it for internal use?

No. Standards are subject to copyright. If you wish to make copies (paper or PDF) or make standards available on an intranet for multiple users, a license is required. Our SNV team will be happy to assist you. More information is available here.

Subscription FAQ

What is a standards subscription?

With a standards subscription, you can subscribe to standards in our online shop "SNV‑Connect" instead of purchasing them outright. It’s an optimized standards management system that gives you cloud-based access to your standards portfolio. All key information is in one place, and your portfolio is updated as soon as a new version of a standard is published.

What is the difference between a subscription and a Multi‑User License (MUL)?

The main difference lies in the way the standards are acquired:

• A subscription includes updates and multi‑user license rights.
• A MUL involves direct purchase—the updates are automatically replaced and billed separately.

What advantages does a standards subscription offer?

• Access current standards anytime, anywhere
• Secure and compliant usage
• Reliable information on new and withdrawn standards
• Manage your portfolio yourself
• Individual access for employees
• Predictable costs with annual billing

Do I still need a multi‑user license?

No - a standards subscription automatically includes the required multi‑user license (named user).

Can I upload subscription documents to a corporate network?

No. Documents must remain accessible only via our online shop. Local saving for offline use is allowed, but reproduction is not permitted.

How do I get a quote?

Send us your portfolio for analysis, and we will provide a non‑binding offer. Please use our contact form.

In what form is the subscription provided? (without add‑ons)

The subscription is available as an online view only, without PDF download or print. It includes the latest edition of the document in one language.

What add‑ons are available?

• PDF download and printing
• Access to previous editions and drafts
• Multilingual documents

I’ve chosen a subscription—what next?

You will receive an agreement to sign. Your subscription will be set up with your portfolio and chosen add‑ons. Access is granted after return.

What happens next?

Defined users sign up in the online shop "SNV‑Connect", or the subscription administrator creates logins and assigns roles.

Which roles can the admin assign?

• Sub. & Shop Administrator – subscribe, purchase, and manage users
• Sub User & Shop User – subscribe and purchase
• Sub Reader & Shop User – view within subscription and purchase
• Sub Reader – view rights within subscription only

Can I still purchase individual standards with a subscription?

Yes - you can buy any standard individually. Access, however, is limited to the purchaser.

Can any standard in SNV‑Connect be added to an existing subscription?

Yes, for SN INB, SN Swissmem, SN SIA, SN Electrosuisse, SN VSS, SWKI and ISO. For others (AFNOR, ASTM, IEC and IEEE), the SNV Solutions team takes on this task.

Can companies adjust the number of users or add‑ons as needed?

Yes - you can upgrade at any time, though a new agreement is required.

Multi‑User License (MUL) FAQ

What is a Multi‑User License (MUL)?

A Multi‑User License (MUL) is an SNV offer for efficiently managing purchased standards. Via our online shop "SNV‑Connect", you get cloud-based access to your standards portfolio, continuously updated.

What is the difference between a subscription and a MUL?

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  • With a MUL, standards are purchased outright—updates are replaced automatically and billed separately.

Which standards are included in the MUL?

The MUL applies to standards from rule‑making bodies DIN, VDI and DVS.

What benefits does a MUL provide?

• Remote access
• Secure, compliant usage
• Reliable info on new/withdrawn standards
• Self‑managed portfolio
• Individual employee access

Do I still need a multi‑user license?

No - it is automatically included with the MUL.

Can MUL documents be uploaded to a corporate network?

Yes - they may be used on the network.

How do I get a quote?

Send your portfolio for analysis, and you'll receive a non‑binding offer. Please use our contact form.

How is the fixed price of the MUL calculated?

It is based on the number of employees and the number of DIN standards and VDI/DVS guidelines.

In what form is the MUL provided? (without add‑ons)

You receive:

• the latest edition
• the previous edition
• one language

What add‑ons are available?

• Drafts
• Two‑language documents

I chose a MUL—what next?

You will receive an agreement to sign. The MUL will be set up and loaded with your portfolio. Previously purchased DIN standards or VDI/DVS guidelines will be integrated free of charge.

What happens next?

Users register via the online shop or are set up by the administrator, who assigns roles.

Which roles can the admin assign?

• Sub. & Shop Administrator – subscribe, purchase, user management
• Sub User & Shop User – subscribe and purchase
• Sub Reader & Shop User – view within subscription and purchase
• Sub Reader – view rights within subscription only

Can any standard be added to an existing MUL via SNV‑Connect?

Yes - DIN standards and VDI/DVS guidelines can be self‑added.

Can companies adjust add‑ons as needed?

Yes - you can upgrade at any time, though a new agreement is required.