The European standard NEN-EN527 and the former Dutch standard NEN 2449 both aim to define functional requirements for office workstations. However, while the Dutch standard was specifically aimed at the Dutch market, the European standard provides a broader framework applicable to all countries within the European Union. This European standard therefore has a more universal character and is designed to promote consistency in the specifications and test methods for office workstations throughout the EU.

The European standard NEN-EN527 not only provides a more comprehensive description of dimensions and a more detailed breakdown of different types of tables, but also includes uniform test methods for them. These test methods are compiled from various existing European standards, ensuring a standardized approach for testing different types of office work tables. This contributes to better comparability of the performance and quality of tables within the EU market.

With the replacement of the Dutch standard NEN 2449 by the European standard NEN-EN527, the European standard has now become the leading guideline for the design, dimensions, and testing methods of office workstations in the Netherlands. This shift to a European standard means that Dutch manufacturers and users of office workstations must comply with the requirements and specifications laid down in this European standard, which also takes into account ergonomic principles and international standards.