Guide to EN 1090 Certification for Steel and Aluminum Firms

Imagine your steel or aluminum structural products, after extensive development, being blocked from the construction market simply due to lacking one crucial credential—the CE marking. This scenario represents significant wasted time and resources for manufacturers. EN 1090 certification serves as the regulatory framework behind this essential market access, ensuring the safety and reliability of construction metalwork while serving as a mandatory requirement for European market entry.

In the construction sector, steel and aluminum structural products must comply with EU CE marking requirements. Manufacturers must demonstrate their products meet established safety, health, and environmental standards through certification by a Notified Body according to DS/EN 1090-1 standards. Essentially, EN 1090-1 serves as the foundational requirement for CE marking and European market access.

Meeting EN 1090 requirements necessitates implementing an effective Factory Production Control (FPC) system to regulate manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with technical specifications. Key components include:

• Documented procedures: Comprehensive operational guidelines covering all production stages from raw materials to final delivery, with defined quality standards.
• Regular inspections: Systematic testing of materials, components, and finished products to verify mechanical properties, chemical composition, and weld quality.
• Continuous improvement: Analysis of test results to identify potential issues and implement corrective actions.
• Material traceability: Strict documentation of all materials used, enabling rapid problem identification when necessary.

Companies may develop their FPC systems using either ISO 3834 (welding quality management) or ISO 9001 (quality management) standards as foundations. However, both require adaptation to address EN 1090-1's specific requirements for structural metalwork, particularly regarding:

• Welding procedure qualifications
• Welding personnel certifications
• Non-destructive testing protocols

For companies responsible for structural component design, FPC systems must incorporate design verification procedures. Initial Type Calculation (ITC) serves as the critical validation process, demonstrating design feasibility through theoretical calculations or experimental verification. ITC reports must document:

• Design basis and assumptions
• Calculation methodologies
• Result analysis

Continuous quality assurance requires:

• Random sampling: Periodic checks of product dimensions, surface quality, and weld integrity
• Process monitoring: Real-time tracking of critical parameters like welding current, voltage, and speed
• Comprehensive documentation: Detailed records of all production data, testing results, and personnel involved

Successful EN 1090-1 certification authorizes CE marking, confirming EU regulatory compliance and enabling market access. Notified Bodies conduct periodic audits to verify ongoing FPC system effectiveness.

To streamline EN 1090 certification, manufacturers should:

1. Conduct gap analyses against EN 1090-1 requirements
2. Develop or adapt FPC systems accordingly
3. Implement internal audit processes
4. Select qualified Notified Bodies
5. Commit to continuous improvement post-certification

EN 1090 certification represents an essential investment for metal construction manufacturers targeting European markets. Beyond regulatory compliance, certification enhances competitive positioning and brand credibility by demonstrating commitment to quality and safety standards. Understanding and implementing EN 1090 requirements enables companies to differentiate themselves in this demanding sector while ensuring long-term market access.