Structural Steel & Aluminium CE Marking

EN 1090 Certification

For companies manufacturing structural steel and aluminium components, EN 1090 compliance is an essential requirement for supplying products into the European construction market. ARC Management Systems supports fabricators, engineering companies, and metalwork manufacturers throughout Ireland with practical guidance, documentation support, and technical expertise — from initial gap assessment through Factory Production Control implementation to CE Marking.

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Key Features & Components

Core elements of our EN 1090 certification service.

EN 1090 gap assessment

Factory Production Control (FPC) development

Welding quality management

Documentation support

Inspection and testing controls

CE Marking and Declaration of Performance

Why Choose Our Consultancy

Discover the advantages of working with Ireland's leading EN 1090 certification specialists.

Practical Implementation: Support focused on practical implementation rather than unnecessary paperwork, aligned with how your workshop actually operates

Clear Guidance: Straightforward direction through certification requirements, execution classes, and notified body expectations at every stage

Tailored Support: Systems and documentation designed around your specific manufacturing processes, products, and fabrication activities

End-to-End Assistance: Continuous support from initial gap assessment through certification audit and CE Marking approval

Team Ownership: We help your team understand and maintain compliance themselves, rather than depending on consultants long-term

Irish Manufacturing Focus: Business-focused EN 1090 support designed specifically for Irish fabrication and engineering companies

Benefits of EN 1090 Implementation

Discover how EN 1090 certification can transform your Irish business operations and market position.

European Market Access: Legally supply CE Marked structural steel and aluminium products for construction projects across Europe and meet contractor procurement requirements

Customer Confidence: Independent evidence that products are manufactured consistently, materials are traceable, and welding is managed correctly — a real differentiator when tendering

Improved Quality Control: Clear production procedures, defined inspection points, and better control of fabrication activities reduce variation in product quality

Reduced Rework and Waste: Structured controls identify fabrication errors, welding defects, and incorrect material usage before products reach customers, cutting costly rework

Material Traceability: Effective systems for identifying and controlling materials throughout production, so every structural component can be traced back to its source materials

Stronger Welding Controls: Standardised welding procedures, improved welder competency management, and clear responsibilities for welding supervision reduce welding-related defects

Tendering and Business Growth: Qualify for more tenders, work with larger contractors, and expand into new market sectors that require certified suppliers

Commitment to Quality and Safety: Demonstrates your company produces safe, reliable structural products under controlled manufacturing processes to recognised European standards

Steps to Implement EN 1090

Our proven 5-step methodology for successful EN 1090 certification in Irish businesses.

Gap Assessment & Scope

A detailed review of your products, manufacturing processes, welding activities, quality systems, and existing documentation against EN 1090 requirements. We then define the scope of products and activities covered — including the materials manufactured, product types, and the applicable execution class (EXC1 to EXC4) — and provide a clear implementation roadmap.

Roles & Responsibilities

EN 1090 requires clearly defined responsibilities for controlling production. We help establish management responsibility, production supervision, quality control, and inspection roles — including appointing a competent Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) to oversee welding activities where required.

Build the FPC System

Development and implementation of your documented Factory Production Control system: document control, purchasing and supplier controls, material identification and traceability, defined manufacturing methods, work instructions, inspection points, and production monitoring — evidence that you consistently manufacture conforming products.

Welding, Inspection & Non-Conformance Controls

Establishing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), procedure qualification records (WPQR), welder qualifications, welding coordination, and welding inspection. We also develop incoming, in-process, and final inspection controls, plus non-conformance and corrective action processes to catch and resolve issues.

Train, Audit, Certify & Maintain

Employee training on procedures, traceability, and record completion, followed by an internal audit and readiness review. We support you through the notified body certification assessment and CE Marking approval, then help maintain compliance through ongoing controls and surveillance audits.

Key EN 1090 Concepts

The essential terminology behind EN 1090 compliance, explained.

Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4)

Execution Classes define the technical and quality requirements that apply to a fabricated product. EXC1 covers simple, lower-risk structures; EXC2 covers most commercial, residential, and industrial buildings; EXC3 covers complex structures with higher safety requirements; and EXC4 covers structures with very high consequences of failure, such as major bridges. The class is normally specified by the structural designer and determines the level of control, documentation, and competency required.

Factory Production Control (FPC)

Factory Production Control is the documented management system required by EN 1090 to ensure products are manufactured consistently and meet specified quality requirements. It covers purchasing, material traceability, production controls, welding management, inspection and testing, calibration, non-conformance management, and internal audits — and is the primary area assessed during certification.

Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC)

Many companies implementing EN 1090 must appoint a Responsible Welding Coordinator to oversee welding activities. The RWC ensures welding procedures are followed, welders are appropriately qualified, welding quality is maintained, and inspection requirements are met. The level of technical knowledge required depends on the execution class and complexity of fabrication.

EN 1090 Documentation Requirements

A structured documentation system is central to EN 1090 compliance. Explore what each area involves.

Factory Production Control (FPC) Manual

Company scope and applicable EN 1090 requirements
Organisational structure and responsibilities
Description of manufacturing processes
Control of materials, suppliers, and production
Inspection, testing, and traceability arrangements
Non-conformance, internal audit, and document control requirements

Quality Procedures & Work Instructions

Document control procedure
Purchasing and supplier approval procedure
Material receipt and verification procedure
Production, fabrication, and welding control procedures
Inspection, testing, calibration, and maintenance procedures
Control of non-conforming products and corrective actions

Welding Documentation

Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR / PQR)
Welder qualification and renewal records
Welding coordination records and responsibilities
Welding inspection records, including visual inspection and NDT reports

Material Control & Traceability

Material certificates (e.g. 3.1 certificates)
Supplier approval and incoming inspection records
Material identification and heat number traceability records
Cutting lists and fabrication records
Stock control records

Inspection & Test Records

Incoming inspection records verifying delivered materials and certificates
In-process inspection records: dimensional checks, welding inspections, assembly verification
Final inspection records: product conformity, dimensions, surface finish, customer requirements

Non-Conformance & Corrective Action

Non-conformance reports (NCRs)
Root cause analysis records
Corrective and preventive action plans
Disposition decisions (repair, rework, reject)

Calibration & Maintenance

Calibration certificates and schedules for measuring equipment
Equipment maintenance logs
Verification, repair, and adjustment records

Training & Competency

Employee training records
Welding qualifications and certifications
Competency assessments
Induction, refresher, and role-specific training records

Internal Audit

Internal audit schedules and checklists
Audit reports, findings, and observations
Corrective action and follow-up verification records

Declaration of Performance & CE Marking

Declaration of Performance (DoP)
CE Marking documentation
Product identification records and technical product files
Conformity declarations

Document Control System

Document approval and revision control
Version tracking and distribution control
Obsolete document removal
Record retention policies

Does Your Product Need EN 1090?

Not every fabricated steel or aluminium product falls within the scope of EN 1090. Our guide explains which products typically require certification, which are generally outside scope, and how to assess borderline cases.

Check Which Products Are Covered

EN 1090 in the Irish Context

Understanding how EN 1090 applies specifically to Irish businesses and regulations.

Relevant Regulations

Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011
CE Marking requirements under EN 1090-1
Harmonised European standards for structural steel and aluminium
Irish Building Regulations and construction procurement requirements

Key Irish Sectors

Structural steel fabrication
Construction and civil engineering
Engineering and mechanical contractors
Architectural metalwork manufacturing

Certification Bodies

NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland)
EU notified bodies approved for EN 1090-1
Accredited Factory Production Control (FPC) certification bodies

EN 1090 Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions Irish businesses ask most about EN 1090.

What is EN 1090?

EN 1090 is the European standard that governs the fabrication of structural steel and aluminium components used in construction. It establishes the requirements for Factory Production Control (FPC), welding quality management, material traceability, inspection, and conformity assessment. Compliance with EN 1090 enables manufacturers to apply CE Marking to products within its scope, demonstrating that they meet the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

Is EN 1090 mandatory in Ireland?

Yes. If you manufacture structural steel or aluminium products that fall within the scope of EN 1090-1 and place them on the market in Ireland or elsewhere in the European Economic Area (EEA), you must comply with the applicable requirements of the standard and obtain certification through an approved notified body before applying CE Marking.

Which companies need EN 1090 certification?

EN 1090 applies to many businesses involved in the manufacture or fabrication of structural steel and aluminium products, including structural steel fabricators, steel frame manufacturers, aluminium fabricators, engineering companies, architectural metalwork manufacturers, steelwork contractors, manufacturers of staircases, balconies, walkways, and platforms, bridge and infrastructure fabricators, and manufacturers of structural supports and load-bearing assemblies. If your products form part of a permanent construction works and have a structural function, EN 1090 may apply to your business.

What is Factory Production Control (FPC)?

Factory Production Control (FPC) is the documented management system required by EN 1090 to ensure products are manufactured consistently and meet specified quality requirements. An FPC system typically includes procedures covering purchasing and supplier management, material identification and traceability, production controls, welding management, inspection and testing, equipment calibration, non-conformance management, corrective actions, internal audits, and document control. The FPC system is one of the primary areas assessed during certification.

What is an Execution Class (EXC)?

Execution Classes (EXC) define the technical and quality requirements that apply to a fabricated product. There are four execution classes: EXC1 for simple structures with lower risk, EXC2 for most commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, EXC3 for complex structures with higher safety requirements, and EXC4 for structures with very high consequences of failure, such as major bridges or specialist infrastructure. The appropriate execution class is normally specified by the structural designer or consulting engineer.

How long does it take to implement EN 1090?

Implementation time depends on factors such as the size of your business, existing quality management systems, the number of fabrication processes, the complexity of welding activities, current documentation, and staff experience. For many small and medium-sized fabricators, implementation can take between two and six months, depending on the level of preparation and resources available.

Do we need ISO 9001 before implementing EN 1090?

No. ISO 9001 certification is not a requirement for EN 1090 certification. However, organisations with an existing ISO 9001 Quality Management System often find implementation easier because many of the required controls — such as document control, corrective actions, internal audits, and management reviews — are already established.

View all EN 1090 FAQs

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