On this page
- What is EN 1090?
- EN 1090-1 to EN 1090-5 compared
- When does EN 1090-1 lead to CE marking?
- Execution classes EXC1, EXC2, EXC3 and EXC4
- Factory production control: what to prepare
- A practical EN 1090 document checklist
- The new CPR does not switch every product at once
- Buying guides for steel and aluminium execution
- Find the correct EN 1090 document
- Frequently asked questions
What is EN 1090?
EN 1090 is a series covering structural steel and aluminium components and their execution. EN 1090-1 addresses conformity assessment of structural components; other parts give technical execution requirements. First identify the product, intended structural function, applicable part and legal framework.
EN 1090 does not mean that every metal item needs the same certificate. Product conformity, structural design and installation requirements must be assessed separately. Use the Eurocodes guide for the structural-design side of the document set.
EN 1090-1 to EN 1090-5 compared
| Part | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| EN 1090-1 | Conformity assessment of structural components, including factory production control |
| EN 1090-2 | Technical requirements for executing steel structures |
| EN 1090-3 | Technical requirements for executing aluminium structures |
| EN 1090-4 | Execution of cold-formed structural steel elements and structures for roof, ceiling, floor and wall applications |
| EN 1090-5 | Execution of cold-formed structural aluminium elements and structures for roof, ceiling, floor and wall applications |
Check exclusions and interfaces between parts. BSI's EN 1090-2 catalogue record links the series; its EN 1090-4 scope explains the cold-formed steel applications.
When does EN 1090-1 lead to CE marking?
Check whether the component falls within the cited standard's scope and the applicable Construction Products Regulation (CPR) route. Under the CPR framework, coverage by a harmonised standard can create obligations to assess and declare product performance. A catalogue entry alone is not the legal citation: check the Commission's construction-product references and any applicable derogation.
For example, a railing that only prevents a fall is different from a component that also supports the structure. The Commission has clarified that non-structural railings and balcony balustrades are not CE marked under EN 1090-1 on that basis. A small workshop is not automatically exempt where its product is covered. See the Commission's scope and small-business clarification, read alongside the current legal framework.
Execution classes EXC1, EXC2, EXC3 and EXC4
Execution classes differentiate technical requirements for the work, including aspects of fabrication, inspection and documentation. Do not assign a class from a building label such as “barn” or “bridge” alone. Obtain the specified class and execution requirements from the responsible designer and project documentation, using the applicable standard and national provisions.
Before accepting work, compare the project requirements with the manufacturer's demonstrated capabilities and certificate scope. An execution class is not a substitute for checking the product, materials, processes and work covered.
Factory production control: what to prepare
Factory production control (FPC) is the organised control of production. For products within the relevant EN 1090-1 route, third-party FPC certification forms part of the conformity arrangements. A certificate does not transfer the manufacturer's responsibilities or prove that every possible product is covered.
Prepare a review pack with the component specification, responsibilities, material records, manufacturing procedures, inspection plan, measuring-equipment controls and nonconformity process. For welded work, identify the applicable welding procedures, personnel qualifications and coordination requirements. The necessary inspection documents and traceability depend on the standard, execution requirements and contract; do not assume that one universal certificate type answers every case.
A practical EN 1090 document checklist
- Describe the component: material, structural role, intended use, production location and destination market.
- Check scope: determine whether EN 1090-1 or another product specification provides the relevant route.
- Record exact documents: edition, amendments, EU citation, execution part and project specification.
- Confirm responsibilities: identify who provides the design, selects execution requirements and controls subcontracted work.
- Check certification where required: verify the body, certificate validity and covered site, products and processes.
- Assemble evidence: retain the required performance assessment, production and inspection records.
- Complete product information: prepare the applicable declaration and marking before placing the product on the market.
The new CPR does not switch every product at once
Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 introduces a new CPR framework, with transition by product family and technical specification. The Commission explains that the old and new frameworks coexist: products covered by a standard cited under CPR-2011 generally remain under that route until the relevant migration. Do not assume that a 2026 date alone changes the applicable EN 1090 declaration or marking requirements. Source: Commission CPR transition guidance.
Buying guides for steel and aluminium execution
Once the project’s materials and scope are clear, use the relevant detailed guide to prepare the document order and supplier enquiry:
- EN 1090-2 steel execution buying guide — check the amended edition, distinguish the cold-formed scope and organise fabrication and handover evidence.
- EN 1090-3 aluminium execution buying guide — review the published edition, planned revision and material and assembly information to clarify with suppliers.
Each guide includes a fictional purchasing example and a direct link to the selected Genorma record. Keep execution-document selection separate from the product’s design and conformity-assessment route.
Find the correct EN 1090 document
Search EN 1090 in the Genorma catalogue (external catalogue partner). Confirm the part, edition, amendments, language and user licence. The supplier sets prices and available formats; this page does not supply the official standard.
See our material standards guide for related document families and legal access guide for licensed access routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is EN 1090-2 itself an FPC certificate?
No. It is a technical execution standard. A certification document has a separate issuer, scope and validity that must be checked.
Does ISO 9001 replace EN 1090 requirements?
No. A general quality-management certificate does not establish coverage of the product-specific conformity route or execution requirements.
Can a workshop select EXC2 for every job?
No. Confirm the specified execution requirements for the work before accepting it. Workshop capability and the project's required class must be compatible.
Sources checked for this editorial update: 26 September 2026. This is document-selection guidance, not certification of a product, workshop or structure.