About Us

What is ETIM?

ETIM is a format to share and exchange product data based on taxonomic identification. This widely used classification standard for technical products was developed to structure the information flow between B2B professionals.

The Power of ETIM

Why ETIM?

The ETIM classification model was developed to meet the industry’s growing demand for a clear, discerning information structure for available technical products: ETIM allows for technical products to be classified and uniformly described by product groups, classes, synonyms, features, values and units.

With ETIM, the exchange of detailed information needed to find technical products became a reality.

Scale and Scope

ETIM was initially developed for the Dutch Electrotechnical sector, but steadily expanded its activities to different industries and different countries worldwide. Today, the ever growing ETIM classification model is available in 17 languages and supported by 22 member organisations – one of which is ETIM AUNZ – representing dozens of countries.

In addition to Electrotechnical products, ETIM now also covers the classification of HVAC & Plumbing, Building Materials and Shipbuilding (NL only) sector related products, including tools. More sectors and product groups are expected to follow suit in the years to come.

Joining Forces

When it comes to the exchange of standardised international product data, the ETIM classification model has proven its value over the past decade as a preferred strategic initiative. Ensuring further adoption and long-term integration of the ETIM structure by suppliers and wholesalers worldwide, however, requires extensive alignment and collaboration on a global scale.

That’s why ETIM organisations representing dozens of countries – and counting – have joined forces in ETIM International, a Brussels-based non-profit organisation centrally managing the development, maintenance, publishing and promotion of the ETIM classification model to effectively pursue a shared objective: building a firm-yet-flexible, future-oriented classification standard for technical products worldwide.

In late 2021, The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), a leading Australian industry association, together with a number of major electrical industry manufacturers and distributors as Founding Members established a new Australian and New Zealand enterprise to share in that worldwide objective and bring the benefits of the standard to the building and construction industry.

With ETIM, the exchange of detailed information needed to select technical products becomes a reality.