EN 1090
Essential Compliance for Structural Steel and Aluminium Fabrication
EN 1090 is the European standard governing the fabrication and processing of steel and aluminium structural components. CE Marking under EN 1090 certification has become mandatory across all EU Member States, representing a major regulatory shift for steel and aluminium fabricators and processors.
What is EN1090?
EN 1090 is a European standard that sets the requirements for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components. It governs the production of metalwork used in construction to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with legal regulations.
Under EN 1090, manufacturers must demonstrate that their structural metal products meet the specified technical standards and carry the CE marking, which certifies compliance with European Economic Area (EAA) construction product regulations. Since July 2014, it has been mandatory to comply with EN 1090 and apply CE marking for structural metal products sold in the European market. The standard also remains relevant in the UK, with updated regulations following Brexit. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties and restrictions on market access.
What is EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011?
If you manufacture structural steelwork products, you need to comply with BS EN 1090-1. Since 1st July 2014, it has been a legal requirement to adhere to this European standard, which regulates the fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminium structures.
BS EN 1090-1 focuses on the assessment requirements for execution and production control of steel and aluminium structures, specifying the technical and information details for fabricated structural steelwork.
Who Enforces EN1090?
EN1090 compliance is enforced under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) 2013 and overseen by Trading Standards in the UK. Non-compliance is a criminal offence punishable by up to 3 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000 on summary conviction.
BS EN 1090 Consists of Three Parts:
- Part 1: Technical requirements for assessment conformity in production of steel and aluminium structures (CE Marking).
- Part 2: Technical requirements for steel structures.
- Part 3: Technical requirements for aluminium structural components.
If you are CE marking in accordance with EN 1090, it is recommended to obtain EN 1090-1 and the relevant parts 2 and 3, depending on the materials your products are made from.
EN 1090 – 1
EN 1090 – 2
EN 1090 – 3
CE Marking
Details the requirements for assessing and verifying product or service conformity.
Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly of steel structures.
Details the technical requirements in the manufacture and assembly of aluminium structures.
Who is Affected by EN1090?
Manufacturer’s Responsibility
If you manufacture steel or aluminium products sold in the UK or the wider EAA, you are legally required to CE Mark these products. This means every product delivered to your client must be accompanied by the correct documentation demonstrating compliance.
The EN1090 standard imposes legal obligations on manufacturers, distributors, and importers of construction products within the EU to CE Mark products that fall under the scope of BS EN 1090-1.
UK Market Only: Post-Brexit Changes
With the UK’s exit from the EU, many companies ask: How does this affect those using BS EN 1090 and CE marking?
Our experts say:
EU legislation still applies to companies manufacturing and selling steel and aluminium structures within the EU or exporting to the EU.
For businesses selling only within the UK, new rules require a UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking instead of the EU’s CE marking.
There will be no change to CE marking based on self-declaration if products meet all EU requirements, including those exported to the EU.
What Labels Should Businesses Use?
Businesses following EN 1090 and operating in UK-EU should:
- Ensure any new products placed on the UK market meet UK requirements, bear the UKCA or UKNI marking, and are assessed by a UK-recognised conformity assessment body.
- Obtain CE Mark for any products intended for EAA market, following existing EU regulations.
Important:
If you sell products in the EU but were assessed by a UK-based notified body, you must have these products reassessed or their documentation transferred to an EU-recognised conformity assessment body. If reassessment or transfer isn’t possible, products will need to be re-marked with the details of the new EU-recognised notified body.
We Can Help!
Our expert consultants specialise in guiding you through the specific requirements of the markets you operate in or wish to enter. Whether you need support implementing new systems or reviewing your existing ones, we provide tailored, practical advice.
As experienced EN1090 external assessors with a proven 100% success rate, Candy Management Consultants is your trusted partner for achieving compliance and CE or UKCA marking confidence.
