EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 standards – global standards for lifts

EN 81-20/50 are the main safety standards for lifts. These standards have been revised, so that now the EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 standards are available.

In an interview with LIFTjournal, Daniel Bisang, the convenor of CEN/TC 10/WG1, the working group responsible for these standards, provides insight in development and impact of EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 standards.

What is the background of EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026?
Bisang: Since the first publication of EN 81-1 in 1978 and EN 81-2 in 1985, these standards have been very successful in Europe and later worldwide. Many countries outside Europe have adopted these standards and their revisions as their national standards.


HISTORY OF EN ISO 8100-1/2. Photo: © Gharibaan

We, as CEN/TC 10/WG1, make sure that those standards are up to date, and we have revised them many times since their publication. Each revision addressed technological developments in the industry, alignment with the regulatory changes as well as experience gained from the application of the standards.


As Esfandiar mentioned, the industry is moving more to the application of ISO standards, and EN 81-20/50 has been the most important standard for the industry. As such, ISO and CEN committees for lifts and escalators, ISO/TC 178 and CEN/TC 10, decided to move these standards to the ISO level. A roadmap for this transition was also agreed upon. As the first step of the Roadmap, ISO adopted EN 81-20/50:2014 as an identical ISO 8100-1/2:2019 version.

As the next phase, it was agreed to revise ISO 8100-1/2:2019 and publish it as ISO 8100-1/2:2026, and at the same time to publish these ISO standards as EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026. ISO and, in particular, ISO/TC178/WG4 also trusted CEN/TC 10/WG1 to manage this project. This foundation played a pivotal role in the success story, with over 200 experts involved from around the globe contributing with their knowledge through numerous discussions and technical exchanges.


"EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 has been the biggest and most complicated project that CEN and ISO have undertaken in the lift sector." Daniel Bisang

EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 has been the biggest and most complicated project that CEN and ISO have undertaken in the lift sector. For example, these standards have included the needs of ISO and CEN members, new technologies have been considered, the requirements of the standards are fully aligned with the rules and guidelines put forward by the EU Commission, and the formulation and format of the standards are fully aligned with the latest CEN and ISO guides for drafting standards. 


"EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 has been the biggest and most complicated project that CEN and ISO have undertaken in the lift sector." Daniel Bisang

Daniel Bisang Photo: © privat

How will EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 influence the industry, and what are the main changes coming?
Bisang: There are many changes that have been introduced during this revision.

Just as a few examples:

Inclusion of new technologies

• Alternative suspension technologies are opening up new possibilities for elevator suspension systems.

• For the first time, traction elevators offering increased usable space inside the car for hydraulic lifts 

• Enhanced control systems are available, contributing to improved occupational safety

New Technical and safety improvements 

• Stricter hand entrapment prevention implemented in response to past accidents

• Revised ladder access conditions and regulations updated for ladders used to access shaft pits 

• Additional machine brake requirements implemented, including their monitoring

• SIL-rated circuits define Safety Integrity Level (SIL) and present both significant opportunities and regulatory demands

• Incorporating cybersecurity measures into lift systems has become increasingly vital.



In addition to technical changes, the structure and formulation of the requirements in these standards have been widely modified to comply with the latest rules for drafting standards as well as compliance with the regulatory requirements.


"Members of the European Lift Association, ELA, together with CEN/TC10/WG1 experts have prepared a document to outline and introduce the main changes applied to EN ISO 8100-1:2026 and EN ISO 8100-2:2026 standards." Daniel Bisang

What is the overall impact to the lift industry?
Bisang: For the very first time, EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 brings a harmonized, modernized, and safer framework for lift design and operation worldwide. These global standards are the cornerstone for technical harmonization around the world. 


While these standards poses significant compliance with certain operational challenges and improve the safety for all lift users, it also opens new opportunities for innovation and global market access - and finally also to promote the image of the lift industry.


Is there any help for facilitating the implementation of these standards?
Bisang: Members of the European Lift Association, ELA, together with CEN/TC10/WG1 experts have prepared a document to outline and introduce the main changes applied to EN ISO 8100-1:2026 and EN ISO 8100-2:2026 standards.


This document is designed as a supportive tool to allow readers gain a deeper understanding of the changes in the standards with some key information underlined with pictures, graphs, and references to chapters. The document will be made available to all interested parties around the world through the Lift Associations such as ELA or through CEN and ISO membership. The document could be translated by the providers, but all refer to the same identical document.


What is the future of EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026, any plans for updates?
Bisang: "The completion of one standard marks the beginning of the next" – or in other words, "after the standard is before the standard". Additional standardization initiatives will inevitably follow. Some related standards have already been referenced in this article, and others will be listed below.


As part of the roadmap for EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026, it was agreed that the standards would undergo regular updates. This ensures that the ISO standards remain relevant and help minimize or eliminate regional and national differences.


EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 are truly international standards for lifts. To prevent divergence in national implementations, global adoption and a timely update are essential to promptly incorporate feedback and improvement proposals based on real-world experience with the standards.


While EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 are drafted with clearly defined clauses, varying interpretations may arise among different stakeholders. In cases where interpretations are necessary, it is preferable to address these through formal updates to the standards rather than through separate interpretation documents, as authorities may not always accept unofficial interpretations.


The pace of technological advancement and innovation in the lift industry is accelerating. Regular updates to the standards are necessary to integrate proven new technologies and innovations, ensuring they are accessible to all users.


Referenced standards are also subject to ongoing revisions. By updating EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 at regular intervals, alignment with the latest versions of these referenced standards is maintained.


This systematic approach to updating EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 ensures their continued global relevance, clarity, and ability to accommodate technological progress.


What other standards is CEN/TC10/WG1 responsible for and what is their status?
Bisang: As part of the EU Commission’s standardization request M/599, several standards are currently undergoing revision. These include EN 81-28:2026, EN 81-21:202x, EN 81-71:202x, EN 81-77:202x, EN 13015:202x, and others. All of them must be updated within Q1, 2028 by CEN/TC10/WG1. Some of these standards are already at an advanced stage and will soon be available for public enquiry and/or formal voting.


Additionally, compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), must be ensured. The mentioned regulation also requires alignment with the cybersecurity standards, specifically EN ISO 8102-20:2026.


"We strongly recommend that organizations begin their preparations immediately. Early action will help you identify gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and avoid last-minute challenges." Daniel Bisang

What is your advice to our readers?
Bisang: Even though there is a transition period before full compliance is required, we strongly recommend that organizations begin their preparations immediately. Early action will help you identify gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and avoid last-minute challenges.


Remember that ISO standards are defined and adopted on a per-country basis. This means that the timeline and requirements for implementation may vary depending on your location. Stay informed about your national standardization body’s announcements and guidance to ensure you are following the correct procedures.


According to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), there is a maximum transition period of 36 months after the publication of a new standard. This sets a clear deadline for organizations operating in Europe to achieve compliance. Planning ahead will help you meet this deadline comfortably and maintain your competitive edge.



Our personal advice: don’t wait for the transition period to end, start your compliance journey now!
On this occasion, both Esfandiar and Daniel would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all experts worldwide for their outstanding and tremendous efforts, support, and contributions over the past years. Their unwavering dedication to this standardization work has been invaluable.

SCHEDULE: The ISO 8100-1/2:2026 standard was published by ISO on March 27. CEN plans to publish EN ISO 8100- 1/2:2026 approximately four to five weeks later. The exact date was not yet known at the time of editorial deadline for LIFTjournal.

After 27 March, EN ISO 8100-1/2:2026 will require two more weeks for translation and possibly a little more time for a final correction regarding ANNEX ZA (not required in the ISO 8100-1/2; 2026 version). It will probably be available by the publication date of this issue of LIFTjournal.

It should be noted that there are two different publications, as the EU requires the ANNEX ZA section, which is not required in the global version.