EN 1090 – Structural Steel & Aluminum is the mandatory European standard regulating the fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminum structures. Under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), compliance with EN 1090 is a legal requirement for CE marking and trading structural components within the EU.
What Is EN 1090?
EN 1090 is not a single document but a series of three standards that govern the entire life cycle of structural metal manufacturing. It ensures that every beam, truss, and connection meets strict safety and performance criteria.
EN 1090-1
Conformity Assessment: The rules for Factory Production Control (FPC) and CE Marking.
EN 1090-2
Steel Structures: Technical requirements for the execution of steel structures.
EN 1090-3
Aluminum Structures: Technical requirements for the execution of aluminum structures.
Understanding Execution Classes (EXC)
A critical component of EN 1090 is the Execution Class (EXC). Manufacturers must be certified for the specific class relevant to the structures they build. The requirements become stricter from EXC1 to EXC4.
| Class | Application Examples | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| EXC1 | Agricultural buildings (barns), railings, simple stairs. | Low |
| EXC2 | Standard commercial/residential buildings (Most common). | Medium |
| EXC3 | Bridges, stadiums, heavy industrial structures. | High |
| EXC4 | Special structures (nuclear plants, long-span bridges). | Critical |
Key Requirements for Fabricators
To place the CE Mark on your products, you must implement a Factory Production Control (FPC) system that covers:
- ✅ Welding Quality (ISO 3834): Utilizing certified welders and approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
- ✅ Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC): Appointing a qualified person to oversee welding operations.
- ✅ Traceability: Ability to trace every piece of steel or aluminum back to the mill certificate (3.1 certificate).
- ✅ Equipment Calibration: Regular checks of welding machines and measuring tools.
How to Achieve EN 1090 Compliance
- Purchase the Standards: You must own official copies of EN 1090-1 and EN 1090-2/3.
- Define Execution Class: Determine if you fall under EXC2 (standard) or EXC3 (heavy duty).
- Implement FPC: Create your quality manual and welding procedures.
- Type Testing: Perform initial type calculations (ITC) or testing (ITT) to prove structural design.
- External Audit: A Notified Body must audit your facility.
- Issue Declaration of Performance (DoP): Once certified, you can legally affix the CE Mark.
📥 Access the Official EN 1090 Standards
Ensure your welding procedures and FPC meet the legal requirements. Download the official PDF documents from Genorma.
⚠️ Official PDF Standards starting from €135.00
Available in PDF and Hardcopy formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN 1090 mandatory by law?
Yes. Since July 2014, under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), it is a criminal offense in the EU to supply structural steel or aluminum to a construction site without CE Marking based on EN 1090 certification.
Do small workshops need EN 1090?
Yes. If you fabricate “series” structural components (even simple beams for a house builder), you must be certified. However, you may only need EXC1 or EXC2 certification, which is less demanding than EXC3.
What is a Declaration of Performance (DoP)?
A DoP is a legal document that every manufacturer must issue for each product delivered. It states the performance characteristics (e.g., steel grade, weldability, fracture toughness) and confirms compliance with EN 1090-1.
Do I need to buy the official standard?
Yes. The auditor will verify that you have access to the current versions of EN 1090-1 and EN 1090-2 (or -3) during your annual FPC audit.