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The Sub-Directorate-General for Irrigation, Nature Trails, and Rural Infrastructure (SGRCNIR) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), through the National Centre for Irrigation Technology (CENTER), holds the Secretariat of the Technical Standardisation Committee CTN 318 “Irrigation” of the Spanish Association for Standardisation (UNE), coordinating from there the drafting, review, and updating of standards relating to irrigation materials and equipment.

This work helps promote objective, technically rigorous standardisation that is beneficial to the entire irrigation sector. To this end, CENTER is supported by the Central Laboratory for Testing Irrigation Materials and Equipment and its experimental farm, featuring approximately 86 hectares dedicated to irrigation—facilities that enable verification of the suitability of the requirements set out in the standards, as well as the definition and validation of the testing procedures necessary for the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation equipment.

In addition to its national activities, CENTER plays an active role in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), both through the contribution of technical experts and by coordinating various working groups, including those related to water meters, remote control, and spray emitters.

This involvement is particularly significant, as it enables Spain’s technical position to be conveyed to European and international forums, helps ensure that standards account for the realities and needs of irrigation in Spain, and keeps the sector informed about ongoing standardisation projects and new international standards, including their potential adoption as UNE standards.

In recent years, CENTER has organised and coordinated numerous national and international standardisation meetings, with the collaboration of a network of over 140 experts who participate in the technical work of CTN 318 and its various working groups.

What is standardisation?

Standardisation is a tool that helps guarantee the quality, safety, compatibility, protection, and information associated with products, equipment, processes, and services. In the field of irrigation, its application ensures that the systems, materials, and equipment used meet appropriate technical requirements and operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

How does standardisation benefit users?

Technical standards benefit manufacturers, users, irrigation communities, public administrations, and other stakeholders in the sector alike. They provide safety, confidence, and transparency; improve the quality of irrigation products and systems; facilitate their comparison and marketing; and supply clear, verifiable technical information regarding their characteristics, performance, and operation.

What are standards?

Standards are technical documents that establish specifications, requirements, test methods, evaluation criteria, and procedures designed to ensure that products, equipment, or systems adequately fulfil the function for which they were designed. In this way, they help ensure adequate conditions of safety, interoperability, interchangeability, reliability, quality, and efficiency.

As a general rule, standards are applied on a voluntary basis, unless compliance is rendered mandatory by a legal, regulatory, or contractual provision.

Who draws up technical standards?

Standards are drawn up by recognised standardisation bodies:

In Spain, this role corresponds to the Spanish Association for Standardisation (UNE), responsible for publishing UNE standards, which are technical in nature and generally voluntary.

At the European level, standardisation falls under the responsibility of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

At the international level, this work rests with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

How are standards developed?

Standards are developed within the framework of technical standardisation committees comprising representatives from the relevant sectors (manufacturers, users, public administrations, laboratories, industry associations, research centres, and other technical experts). This joint participation ensures that standards are drawn up by consensus and reflect the needs, technological advances, and realities of the sector.

Is there a specific committee on irrigation?

Yes. There are various committees specialising in irrigation matters:

• In Spain: CTN 318 “Riegos”, for which CENTER acts as Secretariat by assignment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
• In Europe: CEN/TC 334 “Irrigation techniques”.
• At the international level: ISO/TC 23/SC 18 “Irrigation and drainage equipment”.

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