EN 10025-1
COMPLIANCE
GUIDE
11 Sep 2026
EN 10025-1 Certification for Steel Manufacturers: EU Compliance Guide 2026
By Editorial Team
Table Of Contents
- What Is EN 10025-1?
- What Does EN 10025-1 Certification Mean?
- Why Is EN 10025-1 Certification Important for Steel Manufacturers?
- What Does an EN 10025-1 Certification Assessment Look At?
- EN 10025-1 and Material Traceability
- EN 10025-1 and EN 10204 Material Certificates
- EN 10025-1 vs EN 1090: What Is the Difference?
- Is EN 10025-1 the Same as CE Marking?
- EN 10025-1 Certification and EU Market Access in 2026
- What Does CBAM Mean for Steel Manufacturers?
- EN 10025-1 Certification Checklist for Manufacturers
- Common Problems Found During Certification Preparation
- How to Prepare for an EN 10025-1 Certification Audit
- What Documents May Be Required?
- Who Should Consider EN 10025-1 Certification?
- Benefits of EN 10025-1 Certification
- EN 10025-1 Certification: Questions Manufacturers Should Ask
- EN 10025-1 Certification in 2026: What Manufacturers Should Focus On
- Conclusion
- Need EN 10025-1 Certification?
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For steel manufacturers supplying construction, infrastructure, engineering and industrial markets, demonstrating the quality of structural steel is no longer limited to providing a material certificate. Customers increasingly expect manufacturers to demonstrate product conformity, inspection controls, material traceability, testing records and reliable technical documentation.
This is where EN 10025-1 certification becomes important.
EN 10025-1 establishes general technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled structural steel products within the EN 10025 series. It works together with the applicable product-specific parts of the EN 10025 series to establish requirements for structural steel products.
For manufacturers targeting European customers, understanding EN 10025-1 is therefore not simply a matter of knowing steel grades. It is about demonstrating that the manufacturing, inspection, testing, identification and documentation processes are capable of consistently producing conforming products.
This guide explains what manufacturers should understand about EN 10025-1 certification, what certification may involve, how traceability and inspection documentation fit into the process, and what manufacturers supplying European markets should consider in 2026.
What Is EN 10025-1?
EN 10025-1 is the general part of the EN 10025 series covering technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled structural steel products.
It establishes general requirements that work together with the relevant product-specific parts of the EN 10025 series.
The EN 10025 family includes standards addressing different categories of structural steels, including:
- Non-alloy structural steels
- Normalized or normalized rolled weldable fine-grain structural steels
- Thermomechanically rolled weldable fine-grain structural steels
- Structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance
- Quenched and tempered high-yield-strength structural steels
Therefore, EN 10025-1 should not normally be considered in isolation when specifying a particular steel product.
The manufacturer and purchaser need to identify the applicable product standard, steel grade, delivery condition and relevant technical requirements.
What Does EN 10025-1 Certification Mean?
EN 10025-1 certification provides an independent means of demonstrating conformity of applicable structural steel products with the relevant technical requirements.
Depending on the applicable certification and conformity-assessment route, assessment can involve areas such as:
- Product specifications
- Manufacturing processes
- Quality-control arrangements
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties
- Inspection and testing
- Product identification
- Material traceability
- Inspection documentation
- Technical records
- Control of non-conforming products
The exact certification requirements should always be determined according to the applicable product, standard, intended use and conformity-assessment framework.
Certification should therefore not be viewed simply as receiving a certificate. The underlying objective is to demonstrate that the manufacturer has suitable controls for consistently producing and documenting conforming products.
Why Is EN 10025-1 Certification Important for Steel Manufacturers?
A manufacturer may produce high-quality steel, but international customers also need confidence that the product can be identified, tested, documented and traced.
EN 10025-1 certification can support this confidence in several ways.
- Demonstrating Product Conformity
Certification can provide evidence that applicable products have been assessed against relevant technical requirements.
- Improving Customer Confidence
International buyers often need documented evidence that materials supplied to their projects meet specified requirements.
- Supporting Material Traceability
Steel products may pass through several stages before reaching a construction or engineering project. Maintaining traceability helps connect the finished product with its production and inspection records.
- Strengthening Quality Control
Certification assessment can identify weaknesses in manufacturing, inspection, testing or document-control systems.
- Supporting International Supply Chains
Demonstrable conformity can make it easier for manufacturers to respond to technical requirements from international customers, contractors and procurement teams.
What Does an EN 10025-1 Certification Assessment Look At?
One of the most important points for manufacturers is understanding that certification is not limited to checking the final steel product.
An assessment may examine the systems and controls used to ensure conformity.
A typical assessment may consider the following areas.
The exact assessment scope depends on the applicable certification scheme and product requirements.
EN 10025-1 and Material Traceability
Material traceability is one of the most important practical areas for structural steel manufacturers.
A customer may need to determine:
Which heat produced this material?
Which test results apply to it?
Which certificate was issued for it?
Where was it used after production?
A robust traceability system should therefore create a logical connection between:
Production → Heat Number → Testing → Material Certificate → Product Identification → Dispatch
If material is subsequently cut, processed or fabricated, the manufacturer or processor should also consider how identification is maintained through those stages.
Example of a traceability chain
A simplified traceability system could look like:
Heat No. 24567
↓
Chemical analysis
↓
Mechanical test results
↓
Inspection documentation
↓
Plate/section identification
↓
Cutting or processing record
↓
Customer order
↓
Final delivery documentation
The objective is to make the material history demonstrable rather than relying on assumptions or manually reconstructed records.
EN 10025-1 and EN 10204 Material Certificates
EN 10025-1 and EN 10204 are related in practical material-documentation workflows, but they are not the same standard.
EN 10025-1 deals with technical delivery conditions for structural steel products.
EN 10204 addresses types of inspection documents for metallic products.
This distinction is important.
A manufacturer may need to demonstrate product conformity while also supplying appropriate inspection documentation.
Depending on the applicable requirements, documentation may include:
- Material test results
- Chemical analysis
- Mechanical test results
- Product identification
- Heat number
- Inspection documentation
- Relevant declarations or certificates
The required inspection document should be determined according to the purchase order, applicable standard, certification scheme and customer requirements.
EN 10025-1 vs EN 1090: What Is the Difference?
Manufacturers frequently encounter both EN 10025 and EN 1090, but they address different areas.
For example, a steel manufacturer may produce structural steel that is supplied to a fabricator.
The fabricator may then manufacture a structural component using that steel.
Therefore:
EN 10025 → Steel product
EN 1090 → Structural component/execution
The two should not automatically be treated as interchangeable certifications.
Is EN 10025-1 the Same as CE Marking?
No.
EN 10025-1 certification and CE marking should not be treated as identical concepts.
CE marking depends on the applicable European legislation, harmonized technical specifications, product scope, intended use and conformity-assessment requirements.
For structural products, manufacturers should determine the applicable regulatory and conformity route before making claims regarding CE marking.
This is particularly important because simply having an EN 10025-related certificate does not automatically mean that every product can be placed on the European market with a CE mark.
Manufacturers should establish:
- What product is being supplied?
- What is its intended use?
- Which European legislation applies?
- Which harmonized standard or technical specification applies?
- Which conformity-assessment procedure applies?
- What technical documentation is required?
- What declarations and markings are applicable?
EN 10025-1 Certification and EU Market Access in 2026
European buyers are increasingly looking beyond basic product specifications.
For manufacturers exporting structural steel to Europe, technical conformity exists within a broader compliance environment that can include:
- Product requirements
- Quality assurance
- Material traceability
- Inspection documentation
- CE/conformity requirements where applicable
- Environmental information
- Supply-chain documentation
- Carbon-related reporting requirements
This wider environment is particularly relevant in 2026 because the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has entered its definitive regime.
CBAM covers sectors including iron and steel.
However, manufacturers should understand an important distinction:
EN 10025-1 compliance and CBAM compliance are not the same thing.
EN 10025-1 focuses on technical requirements for applicable structural steel products.
CBAM concerns embedded carbon emissions associated with covered imported goods and creates obligations primarily for the relevant EU importers and other economic operators.
Nevertheless, steel manufacturers supplying European customers may increasingly be asked to provide reliable production and emissions-related information.
This makes accurate manufacturing records, traceability and controlled technical documentation increasingly valuable within international supply chains.
What Does CBAM Mean for Steel Manufacturers?
Under the definitive CBAM regime, iron and steel are among the covered sectors.
For manufacturers outside the EU, this means European customers may request additional information related to the production and embedded emissions of covered goods.
Where actual emissions are used, the relevant emissions information may require verification under the applicable CBAM framework.
Manufacturers should therefore avoid treating CBAM as an extension of EN 10025-1.
Instead, consider them as two different compliance layers:
Product conformity
EN 10025 series → Product requirements → Testing → Inspection → Documentation
Environmental/carbon reporting
Production data → Emissions calculation → Verification where applicable → EU importer reporting
The ability to maintain reliable production records can help manufacturers respond more effectively to these broader customer and regulatory information requirements.
EN 10025-1 Certification Checklist for Manufacturers
Before beginning a certification assessment, manufacturers should review their readiness.
Product and scope
- Product scope is clearly defined
- Applicable EN 10025 product standards are identified
- Applicable steel grades are identified
- Delivery conditions are controlled
- Customer specifications are reviewed
Manufacturing
- Manufacturing processes are documented
- Production parameters are controlled
- Raw materials are identified
- Production records are maintained
- Non-conforming products are controlled
Testing and inspection
- Chemical testing is controlled
- Mechanical testing is controlled
- Inspection procedures are documented
- Test equipment is appropriately controlled
- Test records are maintained
- Acceptance criteria are defined
Traceability
- Heat numbers are maintained
- Product identification is controlled
- Test results can be linked to products
- Material certificates can be linked to products
- Traceability is maintained through relevant processing stages
Documentation
- Technical documentation is controlled
- Inspection records are maintained
- Material certificates are controlled
- Production records are retained
- Customer-specific requirements are documented
Common Problems Found During Certification Preparation
Manufacturers often focus heavily on production and underestimate the importance of documentation.
Some common weaknesses include:
- Broken Traceability
A manufacturer has test results but cannot reliably demonstrate which finished products those results belong to.
- Incomplete Documentation
Production may be technically satisfactory, but supporting records are missing or inconsistent.
- Incorrect Product Identification
Material identification may become unclear after cutting, processing or internal movement.
- Inconsistent Test Records
Testing is performed, but results are not properly linked to production batches or heat numbers.
- Uncontrolled Non-Conforming Products
Products that fail requirements may not be adequately identified, segregated or dispositioned.
- Treating Certification as a Documentation Exercise
A manufacturer may prepare documents immediately before an audit without establishing effective controls within the actual production process.
A stronger approach is to build conformity into the manufacturing system rather than preparing evidence only when an assessment is approaching.
How to Prepare for an EN 10025-1 Certification Audit
A practical preparation process can follow these steps.
Step 1: Define the Product Scope
Identify the products, grades and applicable parts of the EN 10025 series.
Step 2: Review Customer Requirements
Check purchase specifications, technical requirements and any project-specific requirements.
Step 3: Map the Manufacturing Process
Document the route from raw material through production, testing, identification and dispatch.
Step 4: Establish Traceability
Verify that products can be connected to heat numbers, test results and inspection documentation.
Step 5: Review Testing Controls
Check chemical and mechanical testing arrangements and the associated records.
Step 6: Review Documentation
Verify that technical records, certificates and inspection documents are accurate and controlled.
Step 7: Conduct an Internal Readiness Review
Identify gaps before the formal assessment.
Step 8: Correct Non-Conformities
Implement corrective actions and retain objective evidence of completion.
Step 9: Undergo the Certification Assessment
The certification body assesses the applicable scope and conformity arrangements.
Step 10: Maintain Conformity
Certification is not the end of the process. Manufacturers need to maintain their controls and continue meeting applicable requirements.
What Documents May Be Required?
The exact documentation depends on the applicable certification and conformity-assessment requirements.
However, manufacturers should be prepared to demonstrate evidence such as:
- Company and facility information
- Product specifications
- Applicable standards
- Manufacturing process information
- Quality-control procedures
- Inspection procedures
- Testing procedures
- Chemical analysis records
- Mechanical test records
- Material identification records
- Heat-number traceability
- Material certificates
- Equipment calibration or control records where applicable
- Non-conformity records
- Corrective-action records
- Technical documentation
The certification body should confirm the specific documentation required for the applicable scope.
Who Should Consider EN 10025-1 Certification?
EN 10025-1 certification can be particularly relevant to organizations involved in the manufacture or supply of hot-rolled structural steel products.
Potentially relevant organizations include:
- Steel manufacturers
- Structural steel product manufacturers
- Steel mills
- Steel processors
- Structural steel suppliers
- Engineering companies
- Infrastructure supply-chain organizations
- Manufacturers supplying European customers
- Organizations seeking independent product conformity assessment
However, not every organization automatically requires the same certification route.
The correct requirement depends on the product, intended application, customer specification and applicable regulatory framework.
Benefits of EN 10025-1 Certification
For manufacturers, the potential benefits extend beyond obtaining a certificate.
Demonstrable conformity
Provides objective evidence supporting conformity with applicable technical requirements.
Improved traceability
Strengthens the connection between products, production and testing records.
Better customer confidence
Provides customers with greater confidence in the manufacturer’s quality controls.
International market support
Can help manufacturers demonstrate conformity when responding to international procurement requirements.
Improved manufacturing discipline
Certification assessment can identify weaknesses in production, testing and documentation systems.
Stronger technical documentation
A controlled documentation system makes it easier to demonstrate product history and conformity.
EN 10025-1 Certification: Questions Manufacturers Should Ask
Before starting certification, manufacturers should ask:
- Which products are within our certification scope?
- Which part of the EN 10025 series applies to our products?
- Can we trace finished products back to their heat numbers?
- Can our test results be linked to individual products or production batches?
- Are our inspection documents controlled?
- Are our manufacturing records complete?
- Do our customer specifications contain additional requirements?
- Does our intended market create additional regulatory requirements?
- Are our CE-marking obligations clearly established where applicable?
- Are we prepared to provide additional environmental or carbon-related information to European customers?
Answering these questions before certification can significantly improve assessment readiness.
EN 10025-1 Certification in 2026: What Manufacturers Should Focus On
The steel industry is moving toward greater emphasis on documented conformity, traceability, digital information and supply-chain transparency.
For manufacturers targeting European markets, technical compliance should therefore be approached as a complete system rather than a single certificate.
A strong compliance structure can be viewed as:
Product Specification
↓
Controlled Manufacturing
↓
Inspection & Testing
↓
Material Identification
↓
Traceability
↓
Technical Documentation
↓
Conformity Assessment
↓
Market Supply
This approach helps manufacturers respond not only to today’s technical requirements but also to increasingly detailed customer and regulatory information requirements.
Conclusion
EN 10025-1 certification can provide structural steel manufacturers with an important mechanism for demonstrating product conformity, quality control, inspection capability and material traceability.
However, manufacturers should avoid viewing EN 10025-1 simply as a document or certificate.
The real value comes from having a controlled system in which:
the right material is produced → correctly identified → properly tested → fully traceable → accurately documented → supplied according to applicable requirements.
For manufacturers targeting European markets in 2026, this approach is becoming increasingly important as technical conformity sits alongside broader requirements involving supply-chain transparency, documentation and environmental information.
If your organization manufactures or supplies hot-rolled structural steel products and is considering EN 10025-1 certification, the first step is to determine the applicable product scope, technical requirements and conformity-assessment route.
Need EN 10025-1 Certification?
Contact First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.) certification experts to discuss your product scope, certification requirements and assessment process.