EN 1090

This series of standards applies to manufacturers of load-bearing components made of steel and aluminum who place these components on the market as construction products in the EU—ranging from steel construction companies and metal fabrication shops to plant engineers who manufacture load-bearing steel structures for industrial facilities. This applies to both engineering firms that perform the design calculations and the contractors responsible for fabrication and installation.

• Performance Classes (EXC 1–4): Classification based on the safety relevance and consequences of failure of the structure

• Factory Production Control (FPC): Adocumented system for ensuring consistent manufacturing quality

• Welding Coordination: Certification in accordance with ISO 3834 and use of qualified welders in accordance with ISO 9606

• Material Certification: Material certificates in accordance with EN 10204 for all steels and aluminum alloys used

• Marking and Traceability: Unique component marking throughout the entire manufacturing and assembly process

• CE Marking: Issuance of the Declaration of Performance (DoP) based on the successful conformity assessment

EN 1090 comprehensively regulates the entire execution of a steel or aluminum structural system—from design documentation through fabrication to on-site installation. ISO 3834, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the quality requirements for fusion welding. Since welded joints in load-bearing steel structures are critical to safety, EN 1090-2 refers directly to ISO 3834: A certified welding quality management system in accordance with ISO 3834 is therefore a practical prerequisite—but not the only component—for achieving EN 1090 certification.

Without valid EN 1090 certification and CE marking, load-bearing steel or aluminum components may not be placed on the market in the EU. Building authorities may prohibit their installation. Since EN 1090 directly affects the structural safety of buildings, deficiencies in in-house production control or welding quality during certification audits result in serious nonconformities and, in the event of a recurrence, lead to the revocation of the certificate, which directly jeopardizes the ability to supply materials for ongoing construction projects.

• ISO 3834 – Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding

• ISO 9606 – Qualification of welders

• EN 10204 – Material certificates and material documentation

• ISO 9001 – Basic Quality Management Standard