What Is EN 1090?
If your business manufactures or installs structural steel or aluminium components in the UK or EU, you’ve likely heard of EN 1090. But what exactly is it, why is it so important, and what does it mean for your business?
In this post, we’ll break down what EN 1090 is, who it applies to, what it requires, and how companies can achieve compliance—all in plain English.
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What Is EN 1090?
EN 1090 is a European standard that regulates the fabrication and assembly of structural steel and aluminium components. It ensures that any structural metalwork placed on the market is safe, reliable, and traceable.
The standard was introduced to harmonise technical requirements across Europe, ensuring that all manufacturers follow the same quality and safety standards.
In the UK, EN 1090 compliance is enforced through the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking, which replaced the CE marking after Brexit. However, in the EU, CE marking still applies.
Why EN 1090 Matters
Before EN 1090 came into force, there were inconsistencies in how metal fabrications were tested, manufactured, and installed across different countries. This made it difficult to guarantee structural integrity.
With EN 1090, customers and regulators can be confident that every steel beam, column, or welded frame meets strict safety and performance requirements.
In simple terms — if your products fall under EN 1090 and you’re not certified, you cannot legally sell or install them.
Who Needs to Comply with EN 1090?
EN 1090 applies to any company that manufactures or installs load-bearing steel or aluminium structures. This includes:
- Steel and aluminium fabricators
- Structural engineering firms
- Manufacturers of structural components (e.g., beams, frames, trusses, columns)
- Companies producing kits or prefabricated structural assemblies
- Installers of such structures
Even if your company only modifies or assembles structural components, you may still need to be certified.
If your work affects the load-bearing capacity or stability of a structure, EN 1090 likely applies.
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The Key Parts of EN 1090
EN 1090 is divided into three parts:
- EN 1090-1 – Requirements for conformity assessment of structural components
- This part focuses on Factory Production Control (FPC) and UKCA/CE marking.
- It ensures that the manufacturer has systems in place to consistently produce compliant components.
- EN 1090-2 – Technical requirements for steel structures
- Covers materials, fabrication, welding, and inspection of steel structures.
- Specifies how welding must be controlled under ISO 3834 standards.
- EN 1090-3 – Technical requirements for aluminium structures
- Similar to part 2 but specific to aluminium fabrication and assembly.
Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4)
A central part of EN 1090 is the concept of Execution Classes, which define the required level of quality control based on the structure’s intended use and safety risk.
| Execution Class | Description | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| EXC1 | Simple structures with low safety requirements | Agricultural buildings, small storage units |
| EXC2 | Standard buildings and structures | Commercial buildings, residential steelwork |
| EXC3 | High safety structures | Bridges, stadiums, public buildings |
| EXC4 | Extreme safety-critical structures | Nuclear plants, major civil engineering projects |
Most fabricators in the UK fall under EXC2, but some may require EXC3 depending on project specifications.
What Does EN 1090 Certification Involve?
To achieve EN 1090 certification, a company must demonstrate compliance through a Notified Body (in the EU) or an Approved Body (in the UK). This involves:
1. Factory Production Control (FPC)
You must implement a Factory Production Control system that ensures consistency and quality throughout manufacturing.
This includes:
- Quality checks on materials and suppliers
- Traceability of components
- Inspection and testing procedures
- Calibration of equipment
- Staff competency records
2. Welding Quality Management
If your fabrication involves welding, compliance with ISO 3834 (Welding Quality Requirements) is mandatory.
This ensures:
- Qualified welders and welding coordinators
- Approved welding procedures (WPS)
- Documented inspection and testing
3. Technical Documentation
All production processes must be supported by technical documentation — including drawings, inspection records, and test reports.
4. Initial Type Testing (ITT)
Your products are tested to confirm they meet the required performance standards.
5. Audit and Certification
Finally, the Approved Body audits your system. If successful, you’ll receive your EN 1090 certificate and can legally apply the UKCA (or CE) mark to your products.
Benefits of EN 1090 Certification
Besides meeting legal requirements, EN 1090 brings several business advantages:
- ✅ Legal compliance – You can place structural components on the UK or EU market.
- ✅ Customer confidence – Demonstrates reliability, quality, and traceability.
- ✅ Competitive advantage – Many clients will only work with EN 1090-certified suppliers.
- ✅ Reduced risk – Improves safety, reduces defects, and ensures quality consistency.
- ✅ Improved reputation – Positions your business as a trusted, professional fabricator.
What Happens If You’re Not Compliant?
Selling or installing structural components without EN 1090 certification is a legal offence.
Non-compliance can result in:
- Fines and enforcement action from Trading Standards
- Product recalls
- Contract cancellations
- Loss of reputation and customer trust
For this reason, it’s crucial for all fabricators and installers to understand their obligations.
How to Get Started with EN 1090 Compliance
If you’re unsure where to begin, the best approach is to:
- Conduct a gap analysis – Identify where your current processes fall short of EN 1090 requirements.
- Implement or improve your FPC system – Document all quality and inspection procedures.
- Train your team – Ensure welders, inspectors, and coordinators are properly qualified.
- Work with an Approved Body – Choose a certification body experienced in your industry.
- Maintain ongoing compliance – Keep detailed records and prepare for regular surveillance audits.
Final Thoughts
EN 1090 certification is more than a compliance requirement, it’s a mark of quality, safety, and trust. For manufacturers, fabricators, and installers of structural steel or aluminium, it opens the door to more projects, higher-value contracts, and stronger customer confidence.
Whether you’re looking to get certified for the first time or renew your compliance, understanding EN 1090 in detail is essential to staying competitive in today’s construction and engineering market.
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