Table Of Contents
- What Is CE Marking?
- What Is EN 1090?
- CE Marking vs EN 1090: Side-by-Side Comparison
- How CE Marking and EN 1090 Work Together
- Which Manufacturers Need EN 1090?
- Understanding Factory Production Control (FPC)
- Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) Explained
- Documents Required for EN 1090 Compliance
- Step-by-Step CE Marking and EN 1090 Process
- Benefits of EN 1090 Compliance
- Challenges and Common Mistakes
- Real-World Example: Exporting Structural Steel to Europe
- Related Certification Standards You Should Know
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
CE Marking
EN 1090
CE Maring
Security
Introduction:
Producers who intend to produce and sell construction materials from structural steel and aluminum in Europe may find themselves faced with two crucial concepts: CE marking and EN 1090 certification. Usually they believe both are one and the same thing. This misconception needs to be corrected since they are actually distinct from each other and need to be properly understood for a manufacturer to comply with European regulations.Whatever your line of business, whether it is structural steel, metal fabrication, bridges, industrial construction, railroad equipment or any construction material, the knowledge of the interaction between the two concepts will allow you to better understand your customers’ needs, implement proper quality management systems, and feel confident when exporting your product. Proper knowledge of these requirements will also allow producers to develop efficient Factory Production Control (FPC), assure high-quality welding, and conform to CPR.
In this guide, you will find information about how CE Marking differs from EN 1090, how they are related to each other, the scope of their applicability, the documentation that is required for both and misconceptions that manufacturers need to be wary of. If you are getting ready for your first EN 1090 certification or would like to improve your current system of conformity, here you go.
CE Marking vs EN 1090: Quick Answer
Even though both CE Marking and EN 1090 standards are related to each other, they are not identical.
The term CE Marking stands for the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity to the particular European regulations concerning construction products that allows placing those products on the European market. The EN 1090, on the contrary, is the harmonized European standard which defines the rules of manufacturing control, the quality of welding, the Factory Production Control (FPC) system and the assessment of conformity for structural steel and aluminum components subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
What Is CE Marking?
CE marking is a declaration by the producer of compliance of a product with all EU requirements that are applicable to it. It means that the product has been evaluated against these EU requirements and harmonized standards before going to the market within Europe.
For construction products made of structural steel and aluminium, there is an important standard that should be met – EN 1090
Reference: Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.
What Is EN 1090?
EN 1090 is an European standard which sets out the requirements for the production of structural steel and aluminium construction components. The standard covers areas such as welding, Factory Production Control (FPC), traceability and conformity assessment. This is intended to assist manufacturers to reliably manufacture construction products that are safe and reliable.
Reference: EN 1090-1 Standard
CE Marking vs EN 1090: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Comparison | CE Marking | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A manufacturer's declaration of conformity indicating that a product meets applicable European Union legislation. | A European standard specifying requirements for the fabrication and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components. |
| Primary Purpose | Demonstrates that a product complies with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. | Ensures structural steel and aluminium components are manufactured under a certified Factory Production Control (FPC) system. |
| Focus | Compliance of the finished product before it is placed on the European market. | Manufacturing quality, welding processes, traceability, and production control. |
| Applies To | Products covered under applicable EU Directives or Regulations, including construction products. | Manufacturers and fabricators of structural steel and aluminium components intended for construction. |
| Legal Basis | Based on applicable EU Directives and Regulations, including the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). | Based on the EN 1090 series of standards and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). |
| Certification Requirement | Manufacturer prepares a Declaration of Performance (DoP) or Declaration of Conformity and affixes the CE Mark where applicable. | Requires Factory Production Control (FPC) certification issued by a Notified Body before CE Marking can be applied to structural components. |
| Quality Control | Product testing and conformity assessment according to applicable legislation. | Comprehensive quality management including welding procedures, qualified personnel, material traceability, inspections, and audits. |
| Who Needs It? | Manufacturers placing regulated products on the European market. | Structural steel and aluminium fabricators supplying products to the European construction market. |
| Outcome | Products can legally bear the CE Mark and be sold within the European Economic Area (EEA), where applicable. | Manufacturers demonstrate compliance with EN 1090 and can support CE Marking of structural components within its scope. |
| Relationship | CE Marking is the legal conformity mark for eligible products. | EN 1090 provides the technical and quality requirements that support CE Marking for structural steel and aluminium construction products. |
How CE Marking and EN 1090 Work Together
The EN 1090 standards provide the requirements of manufacture and quality for structural steel and aluminium products,whereas the CE Marking process represents the process of declaring that certain products satisfy the necessary European requirements. Simply put the EN 1090 standard represents what you do whereas the CE Marking stands for what you declare after it.
Which Manufacturers Need EN 1090?
EN 1090 standard is usually mandatory for manufacturers who make structural steel or aluminium products intended for the European market such as:
- Structural steel fabricators
- Aluminium structure manufacturers
- Steel bridge manufacturers
- Industrial building manufacturers
- Steel frame manufacturers
- Staircase & handrail manufacturers
- Steel tower and mast manufacturers
- Pipe rack & platform manufacturers
- Architectural steelwork manufacturers
- Structural steel product exporters to Europe
Understanding Factory Production Control (FPC)
Factory Production Control (FPC) is the quality system mandated under the EN 1090 to guarantee that there is consistency in manufacturing. It assists manufacturers in monitoring the process of production, maintaining quality, documentation, and production of structural steel and aluminium products.
Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) :A Comparison
The EN 1090 standard categorizes projects into four Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4). The selection of the right execution class is very important to ensure that the manufacturer complies with the relevant quality standards and enables the CE marking of qualifying products.
| Execution Class | Typical Applications | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| EXC1 | Agricultural buildings, storage sheds, small residential structures, and other simple steel constructions with minimal structural risk. | Low |
| EXC2 | Commercial buildings, residential apartments, industrial buildings, warehouses, offices, and most standard construction projects. | Normal |
| EXC3 | Bridges, stadiums, airports, railway stations, high-rise buildings, and public infrastructure where structural integrity is critical. | High |
| EXC4 | Nuclear facilities, offshore platforms, major suspension bridges, defense infrastructure, and other special or safety-critical structures. | Very High |
Documents Required for EN 1090 Compliance
Some of the documents that are typically required for EN 1090 compliance are listed below:
- Factory Production Control (FPC) documents
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
- Welder qualification certificates
- Welding procedure qualification report (WPQR)
- Material certification (EN 10204 Type 3.2)
- Inspection and testing documents
- Declaration of Performance (DoP)
- CE marking documents
Step-by-Step CE Marking and EN 1090 Process
The following steps are generally involved in the process of getting your product EN 1090 compliant and CE marked:
1. Check if your product needs EN 1090.
2. Establish Factory Production Control (FPC).
3. Qualify welding procedure and welder.
4. Do the necessary inspection and test.
5. Get EN 1090 certification by notified body.
6. Make the Declaration of Performance (DoP).
7. Mark CE on the product.
Benefits of EN 1090 Certification
Some of the benefits of applying the standard EN 1090 include the following:
- Ensures adherence to the relevant European standards.
- Assists in certification for CE Marking of eligible construction products.
- Leads to enhanced quality and reliability of production process.
- Creates more customer trust and business reputation.
- Provides quality welding and production.
- Promotes traceability of the products produced.
- Minimizes production mistakes and need for rework.
- Helps satisfy the requirements of projects and contracts.
- Expands market opportunities for the business both domestically and internationally.
Difficulties and Common Pitfalls
The main difficulties manufacturers face when trying to implement EN 1090 include:
- Lack of complete or proper Factory Production Control documentation.
- Ineffective tracking of materials during the production process.
- Using unskilled or uncertified welders.
- Absence or obsolescence of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
- Lack of proper qualification of Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR).
- Lack of proper records of inspections and tests.
- Incorrect Selection of Execution Class (EXC).
- Poor document management and record keeping.
- Insufficient quality control during the manufacturing process.
- Delay in the preparation of Declaration of Performance (DoP) documentation.
Industrial Insights: Exporting Structural Steel to Europe
When a structural steel manufacturer planning to export products to Europe must comply with EN 1090, implement Factory Production Control (FPC), pass a conformity assessment and then apply CE Marking on the products that have passed the requirements.
Related Certification Standards You Should Know
EN 1090 welder certification standard can be used in conjunction with many other international standards related to welding quality, material inspection, and product conformity. Depending on your particular industry and project, you may also need:
EN 1090 Certification
How does CE Marking differ from EN 1090?
CE Marking is a manufacturer’s declaration stating that certain construction products meet all European requirements whereas EN 1090 is the European Standard defining the manufacturing and quality criteria for structural steel and aluminum components.
Is it necessary to have EN 1090 certification to export structural steel to Europe?
Yes. In order to export structural steel and aluminum components in compliance with EN 1090 and related CE Marking requirements, manufacturers need to comply with both standards.
Who should get EN 1090 certification?
EN 1090 targets manufacturers of structural steel and aluminum components which will be used in construction projects described in EN 1090.
Am I allowed to put CE Marking without having EN 1090 certification?
No. For construction products falling under EN 1090 criteria, manufacturers are required to prove their compliance with this standard before putting CE Marking on the product.
What documents are needed for EN 1090 certification?
Some of the common documents are FPC documents, WPS, Welder Qualification Certificates, WPQR, material certificates, inspection reports, Declaration of Performance (DoP), CE Marking documentations.
What is Factory Production Control (FPC) in EN 1090?
Factory Production Control (FPC) is the quality management system which is necessary according to EN 1090 to ensure the manufacturing consistency, documentation, product traceability, and conformity with the standard.
What are Execution Classes (EXC1 to EXC4) in EN 1090?
Execution Classes (EXC1 – EXC4) determine the requirements to the manufacturing quality and control depending on the complexity, purpose and risk of the structural project.
How long does it take to get EN 1090 certification?
The duration of certification depends on the preparedness, documents, FPC implementation, and certification process performance of the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of EN 1090 certification for the manufacturer?
The certificate allows improving the manufacturing quality, getting the right to perform CE Marking, gaining customers’ trust, competitiveness increase, and entering the European construction market.
How can I begin the process of EN 1090 certification?
The certification process usually starts with the identification of whether EN 1090 is applicable to your products, Factory Production Control (FPC), preparation of the necessary documents, and certification through a notified body.
Conclusion
It is crucial for producers who manufacture and sell their structural steel and aluminium to Europe to know the differences between CE Marking and EN 1090. While EN 1090 establishes the criteria for production and the quality of goods, CE Marking proves compliance with the European requirements. In doing so, manufacturers will be able to increase the quality of their goods and enter international markets.
Ready to Achieve EN 1090 Certification?
Whether you’re manufacturing structural steel or aluminium components for the European market, understanding EN 1090 and CE Marking is the first step toward compliance. If you’re planning certification, our technical experts can assess your requirements and explain the certification process based on your products and project needs.
Explore our EN 1090 Certification Service or contact PZVAR to discuss your certification requirements.