As the chair of CEN Technical Committee 439 (TC 439), CoESS has led the development of a comprehensive standard system – EN 17483 – designed to certify private security companies for CIP, reflecting the growing need for professionalism and trust in this vital field.

“This standards system is the result of many years of dedicated work by CoESS and our partners, and it reflects our long-term commitment to quality and professionalism in private security. Standards are not just technical tools — they are strategic levers to promote trust, raise industry benchmarks, and ensure that security services are delivered by qualified providers. This initiative perfectly complements our advocacy efforts at EU level, including our engagement in the revision of the Public Procurement Directive, where we continue to call for quality-based procurement practices.”
— Catherine Piana, Chair of CEN TC 439 and Director General of CoESS

A Structured Standards System for CIP

The EN 17483 series is made up of a general standard and sector-specific standards:

• EN 17483-1 lays out general requirements for private security companies delivering services to protect critical infrastructure. It defines criteria related to corporate governance, operational capacity, personnel, contracts, and service delivery. This overarching standard enables buyers of private security services—both public and private—to select providers that meet high-quality criteria and demonstrate robust professionalism.
• EN 17483-2 addresses aviation security, building on the general requirements and adding specific quality and training criteria tailored to airport and civil aviation contexts.
• EN 17483-3 focuses on maritime and port security, incorporating requirements specific to this sector while maintaining the system-wide emphasis on staff training and quality assurance.

These standards are developed within Working Group 1 (WG01) of CEN/TC 439, under the leardership of Convenor Mr Dirk Bürhaus (BDSW – Germany), ensuring that each standard reflects sector-specific expertise and operational realities. The Working Group brings together experts from Private Security and the relevant sectors covered by each standard.

New Milestone: Energy Sector-Specific Standard

On 1 April 2025, TC 439 took a significant step forward in expanding the EN 17483 system by finalising the drafting work on the future EN 17483-4, dedicated to energy infrastructure. This standard will provide tailored quality requirements for security services in energy production, storage, and transmission facilities.

During the meeting, the comments sent by a few National Standards Institutes on the draft EN 17483-4, were integrated, and the final draft will soon be submitted for the CEN YES/NO vote—the last procedural step before publication, limited to editorial changes.

Looking Ahead: Health Sector Next

The Committee also initiated discussions for a future EN 17483-5 standard, potentially focusing on the health sector. This sector includes a wide range of infrastructures, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and pharmaceutical facilities—each facing distinct yet critical security challenges.

Why This Matters

The EN 17483 system is more than a set of standards. It’s a strategic tool to enhance security, trust, and operational excellence in the protection of Europe’s most vital assets. As security threats grow increasingly complex, standards like EN 17483 provide much-needed reassurance to buyers, helping them identify companies that are qualified, compliant, and committed to quality.

By driving this work, CoESS not only supports its members but also contributes significantly to Europe’s overall resilience and preparedness, in line with EU security priorities.