Every manufacturer of structural steel and aluminium components must CE-mark their products to place them on the market. The standard behind that mark is EN 1090. In this article we summarise what EN 1090 is, which companies it covers and how the certification process works.
What does the EN 1090 series regulate?
EN 1090 has three main parts:
- EN 1090-1: Conformity assessment and CE marking requirements for structural components (harmonised standard).
- EN 1090-2: Technical requirements for the execution of steel structures.
- EN 1090-3: Technical requirements for aluminium structures.
Because EN 1090-1 is a harmonised standard under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011), CE marking is mandatory for products within its scope, and the mark may only be used by manufacturers whose factory production control (FPC) system has been certified by a Notified Body.
Execution classes: from EXC1 to EXC4
EN 1090-2 divides structures into four execution classes according to use, loading and the consequences of failure. As the class rises, requirements for weld quality, inspection percentage, documentation and personnel competence increase:
- EXC1 — agricultural buildings, simple warehouses: EN ISO 3834-4, no welding coordinator required.
- EXC2 — most industrial and residential buildings: EN ISO 3834-3, welding coordinator (basic/specific knowledge) required.
- EXC3 — bridges, stadiums, crane runways, high-rise structures: EN ISO 3834-2, welding coordinator with comprehensive knowledge (IWE/IWT), supplementary NDT percentages.
- EXC4 — structures with extreme consequences such as nuclear facilities and major bridges: EXC3 requirements plus project-specific conditions.
The certification process
- Defining the scope: Execution class, material groups and welding processes to be used are clarified.
- Gap analysis: The existing system is compared with the clauses of the standard.
- Setting up the FPC system: Manual, procedures, welding coordination, material traceability, equipment calibration, inspection plans.
- Welding qualifications: WPQRs (EN ISO 15614-1), WPSs and welder certificates (EN ISO 9606-1) are completed.
- Initial type calculation/testing (ITC/ITT): For manufacturers that take on design responsibility.
- Notified Body audit: The FPC certificate is issued; the manufacturer prepares a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and starts using the CE mark.
- Annual surveillance: The system is kept alive and scope changes are reported.
Most common mistakes
- WPQR range not covering the thickness/material range in production
- Missing 6-monthly confirmations of welder certificates
- Inability to match material certificates (EN 10204 3.1) with heat numbers
- Dimensional tolerances (EN 1090-2 Annex B) not being checked
Zen Teknik supports fabricators in İzmir and the Aegean Region at every step of EN 1090 certification. Share your scope and let us plan the process together.