Brussels is home to the European Patent Office (EPO), EUIPO, ISO/IEC technical committees, and Belgian and European standardisation agencies. Certified technical translation is at the heart of standardisation processes, patent filing, and regulatory compliance for industrial companies active in Europe.
Why technical translation is crucial in Brussels
Brussels is where regulatory decisions are made that shape European industrial markets. The European Commission publishes regulations and technical directives here that apply to companies across fields as varied as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive), machinery (Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE, soon to be replaced by the Machinery Regulation), product safety, and pressure equipment.
The EPO (European Patent Office) processes more than 180,000 patent applications each year. Although headquartered in Munich, the EPO has an office in Brussels, and its procedures systematically involve translations into at least English, French, and German. Belgian inventors and companies filing European patents must have their claims and technical descriptions translated into these official languages.
The EU's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Brussels, European agencies ENISA (cybersecurity) and EDA (defence), and other technical bodies generate significant volumes of technical documentation requiring translation into all official EU languages.
Most-translated technical document types in Brussels
- EPO European patents : translation of claims and descriptions into French, English, and German for Euro-PCT filings and national validations
- ISO/IEC/EN standards : translation of technical standards published by ISO, IEC, or CEN into French, Dutch, and English for Belgian companies
- EU technical files (CE marking) : technical files for CE declarations of conformity, installation manuals and user instructions under applicable directives
- EU public procurement technical specifications : technical specifications for tender documents from European institutions published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily)
- Industrial manuals : technical maintenance documentation, operating guides, and emergency procedures for industrial companies in the Brussels region
- Test and certification reports : reports from notified body (NB) testing laboratories for product certification under European directives
TranslateBE
Certified technical translation for the EPO and ISO/IEC standards
Technical translators specialising in European patents, ISO/IEC standardisation, and CE marking documentation. Accepted by the EPO and European authorities.
Requirements for technical translations in Brussels
For European patents, the London Protocol (2001) simplified translation requirements, but non-signatory Member States still require a translation into their national language for validation. For unitary patents (in force since 2023), a single translation into English or French is required, though practical considerations may make translation into multiple languages desirable.
For CE marking, the Machinery Directive and other European directives require that the declaration of conformity and the user manual be in the official language of the country of commercialisation. A machine sold in Belgium must have documentation in both French and Dutch. Our technical translators are well versed in the requirements of the main European market access directives.
Turnaround times and rates
| Document type | Standard turnaround | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| European patent (claims) | 3-5 days | 0.13 EUR/word |
| ISO/IEC/EN standard | 5-10 days | On quote |
| Technical manual (50 pages) | 7-10 days | 0.10 EUR/word |
| CE file (declaration + notice) | 4-6 days | 0.11 EUR/word |
| TED tender specification | 5-7 days | 0.10 EUR/word |
TranslateBE · Certified Agency
Your technical documents compliant with European standards
Certified technical translators for the EPO, ISO/IEC standards, and CE documentation. Complete European regulatory expertise.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Must a granted European patent be translated to be validated in Belgium?
Belgium is a signatory to the London Protocol, which means it accepts European patents without mandatory translation if the patent is granted in French or English. If the patent is in German, a translation into French or Dutch is required for Belgian validation. For unitary patents (since 2023), a translation into French is sufficient for Belgium.
Do you offer translation of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other management system standards?
Yes. We translate management system ISO standards (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 27001) as well as technical standards specific to industrial sectors. For companies undergoing certification, we can also translate your internal procedures, quality policies, and management system documents into multiple languages.
My machine is sold in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. How many languages does the CE documentation need to cover?
For commercialisation in Belgium (French and Dutch), France (French), and the Netherlands (Dutch), your CE documentation must be available in French and Dutch at minimum. The declaration of conformity, user manual, and safety instructions must all be in these two languages. We offer a complete package for these three markets.
Can you translate technical specifications for tenders published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily)?
Yes. Tender documents from European institutions published on TED may require translations of technical specifications. We support companies bidding for these tenders by translating their technical offers and qualification files. We are familiar with the specific requirements of the various Commission DGs and other European institutions.