BS EN 1090 certification can appear complex and technically demanding for businesses new to the process. At EmmersonWills, we specialise in simplifying the entire certification journey, to make obtaining structural steelwork and aluminium accreditation straightforward for fabricators and manufacturers of all sizes.
What is BS EN 1090?
BS EN 1090 is the European standard for the execution of steel and aluminium structures. It establishes requirements for the fabrication and erection of structural components, providing a framework for consistent quality, safety, and technical performance across the construction supply chain.
For businesses involved in fabricating, supplying, or erecting structural steelwork or aluminium components, BS EN 1090 certification is a legal requirement under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). CE marking under BS EN 1090 demonstrates that structural components meet essential safety and performance requirements before being placed on the market.
Central to BS EN 1090 is the Factory Production Control (FPC) system, a documented management framework that ensures consistent product quality throughout the fabrication process. The FPC covers welding management, material traceability, dimensional inspection, and documented procedures for all relevant fabrication activities.
The standard defines four execution classes (EXC1 to EXC4) that reflect the structural complexity and consequence of failure for different applications. EXC2 covers the majority of building structures and is the most common certification level, whilst EXC3 and EXC4 apply to more complex or higher-risk structural applications.
At EmmersonWills, we are Simplification Experts, making BS EN 1090 certification straightforward, efficient, and practical. Contact us today to achieve BS EN 1090 certification and access the construction market opportunities your business deserves.
What Are the BS EN 1090 Execution Classes?
Execution classes (EXC) define how strict the manufacturing, inspection, and documentation requirements are for structural steelwork. There are four classes:
- EXC1: Simple structures with low risk, such as agricultural buildings and basic storage structures
- EXC2: Standard building structures, the most common level covering the majority of commercial, industrial, and residential projects
- EXC3: High-risk structures including public buildings, large span structures, and buildings with significant occupancy
- EXC4: Very high-risk structures such as bridges, critical infrastructure, and specialist civil engineering applications
The higher the execution class, the more detailed the checks, welding controls, and documentation required. Most businesses initially seek EXC2 certification, with EXC3 required for specific project types or client requirements. We help businesses determine the correct class for their operations from the outset.
Why Does Your Business Need BS EN 1090 Certification?
BS EN 1090 certification is a legal requirement for businesses placing structural steel or aluminium components on the UK and European markets. Without certification, businesses cannot legally CE mark their structural products, excluding them from projects requiring compliant supply chains.
Beyond legal compliance, clients and principal contractors increasingly specify BS EN 1090 as a supply chain prerequisite. Structural engineers and specifiers rely on CE marking as confirmation that fabricated components meet the required execution class for their projects, reducing liability and assuring structural integrity.
The Factory Production Control system also delivers operational benefits, creating documented processes that improve consistency, reduce fabrication errors, and support quality management throughout production. Businesses with well-implemented FPC systems typically experience fewer non-conformances, less rework, and improved productivity.
Benefits of BS EN 1090 Certification
- Legal Compliance: CE marking under BS EN 1090 satisfies the legal requirement for placing structural steel and aluminium components on the market. Certification removes the legal risk associated with supplying uncertified structural products.
- Market Access: Clients, specifiers, and principal contractors require BS EN 1090 certification as a supply chain prerequisite. Certification opens access to mainstream construction projects, public sector contracts, and major infrastructure work that would otherwise be inaccessible.
- Client Confidence: CE marking provides clients and structural engineers with independent assurance that fabricated components meet the required execution class, reducing specification risk and building confidence in your technical capability.
- Improved Quality and Consistency: The Factory Production Control system creates documented processes that reduce fabrication errors, improve dimensional accuracy, and ensure consistent product quality throughout production.
- Operational Improvement: Documenting and auditing fabrication processes frequently identifies improvement opportunities, delivering operational benefits beyond certification compliance.
- Competitive Differentiation: Certification differentiates your business from uncertified competitors, positioning you ahead of those yet to comply as market expectations continue to develop.
Who Needs BS EN 1090 Certification?
BS EN 1090 certification is essential for businesses across the structural steelwork and aluminium fabrication supply chain:
Steel Fabricators
Companies manufacturing structural steel components including beams, columns, trusses, frames, and connections for building and civil engineering structures.
Aluminium Fabricators
Businesses manufacturing structural aluminium components including curtain walling support systems, structural glazing frames, canopies, and other load-bearing aluminium assemblies requiring CE marking.
Structural Steelwork Contractors
Companies that both fabricate and erect structural steelwork on construction sites, requiring certification covering both off-site fabrication and any on-site structural assembly activities.
Specialist Metalwork Manufacturers
Businesses producing structural components including staircases, mezzanine floors, walkways, platforms, and balustrades where components form part of the building structure and require CE marking.
Construction Companies with In-House Fabrication
Principal contractors or specialist subcontractors operating in-house fabrication facilities that produce structural components for incorporation into their own construction projects.
Why Choose EmmersonWills for BS EN 1090 Support?
EmmersonWills specialises in simplifying BS EN 1090 certification and ongoing Factory Production Control compliance. The technical requirements of the standard can appear overwhelming for businesses approaching certification for the first time. As a highly experienced ISO Consultancy, we remove the complexity and make the entire process straightforward for our clients.
Our consultants are hand-picked to align with our company culture and identity, meticulously trained and managed from the top, and all hired full-time rather than using sub-contractors. This ensures consistency in service delivery and builds confidence through reliable, qualified expertise.
- Clear Execution Class Determination: We help businesses identify the correct execution class for their operations and products, avoiding the cost of over-engineering FPC systems whilst ensuring compliance with actual project and client requirements.
- Practical FPC System Development: We design Factory Production Control systems that satisfy Notified Body requirements whilst working naturally within your fabrication environment, creating usable documentation that supports daily operations.
- Welding Management Support: We help businesses establish appropriate welding procedure specifications, welder qualification records, and welding coordinator arrangements that meet the standard's requirements for the relevant execution class.
- Notified Body Assessment Preparation: We prepare businesses thoroughly for initial Notified Body assessment, ensuring documentation, processes, and physical evidence are ready for examination without unnecessary complexity.
- Integration with Existing Systems: For businesses already holding ISO 9001 certification, we integrate BS EN 1090 FPC requirements with existing quality management systems, avoiding duplication and creating a streamlined management approach.
- Ongoing Surveillance Audit Support: We provide ongoing support to maintain FPC system effectiveness, manage audit preparation, and address any non-conformances identified during surveillance visits.
Our guarantee
We guarantee no easier route to gaining and maintaining BS EN 1090 certification.
Our guarantee removes risk from your decision. This is a commitment reflecting our confidence in delivering results through genuine simplification, not just promises.
We adapt requirements to fit your operations, creating FPC systems and documentation that work for your fabrication environment rather than forcing artificial compliance. Our entire focus is on simplicity, genuine quality improvement, and accessing the construction market opportunities your business deserves without unnecessary complexity standing in your way.
Taking the next step
If you are considering BS EN 1090 certification or need support strengthening an existing FPC system ahead of a surveillance audit, the structural steelwork market represents significant opportunity. With clients and specifiers relying on CE marking for supply chain assurance, certification has become essential for accessing mainstream construction and infrastructure projects.
The process does not need to be overwhelming. With the right support, achieving BS EN 1090 certification and maintaining an effective Factory Production Control system becomes straightforward and manageable, allowing you to focus on fabrication and business development whilst we handle the compliance complexity.
Ready to access structural steelwork opportunities with BS EN 1090 certification?
EmmersonWills offers a free initial consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and demonstrate how our proven methodology can streamline your path to certification.
Contact EmmersonWills today to discover how we can help your business achieve BS EN 1090 certification without the complexity.
BS EN 1090 Frequently Asked Questions
What is BS EN 1090?
BS EN 1090 is the European standard for the execution of steel and aluminium structures. It establishes requirements for fabrication and erection of structural components and forms the basis for CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation. The standard defines Factory Production Control requirements and execution classes reflecting the structural complexity and consequence of failure for different applications.
Is BS EN 1090 certification a legal requirement?
Yes. Businesses placing structural steel or aluminium components on the UK or European market must CE mark their products under the Construction Products Regulation. CE marking requires conformity assessment against BS EN 1090, which involves establishing an assessed Factory Production Control system verified by a Notified Body.
What execution class do I need?
The appropriate execution class depends on the structural application, consequences of failure, and client or project requirements. EXC2 covers the majority of building structures and is the most common certification level. EXC3 applies to structures with higher public exposure or greater consequences of failure. We help businesses determine the correct execution class for their specific operations and product range.
What is a Notified Body?
A Notified Body is an organisation officially approved to carry out conformity assessment for the Construction Products Regulation. For BS EN 1090, the Notified Body assesses the Factory Production Control system and performs ongoing surveillance audits. Only assessments by recognised Notified Bodies are acceptable for CE marking purposes.
How long does BS EN 1090 certification take?
Timeline depends on your starting position and execution class. Businesses with existing quality management systems may achieve certification within 2 to 4 months. Those requiring FPC development from scratch typically need 4 to 6 months. Welding procedure and welder qualification requirements can also influence timelines depending on your current status.
Do I need ISO 9001 alongside BS EN 1090?
BS EN 1090 does not require ISO 9001 certification, but many clients request both. For businesses seeking ISO 9001 alongside BS EN 1090, we integrate both requirements into a single management system, avoiding duplication and creating a more efficient compliance framework.
What welding requirements does BS EN 1090 include?
BS EN 1090 requires welding to be carried out in accordance with qualified welding procedure specifications. Welders must hold current qualifications appropriate to the welding processes and materials used. Higher execution classes require a welding coordinator with appropriate technical knowledge. All welding documentation must be controlled and maintained within the FPC system.
How is BS EN 1090 certification maintained?
Maintenance involves conducting regular internal audits, managing Notified Body surveillance audits, keeping welding qualifications current, maintaining material traceability records, and updating FPC documentation as processes change. We provide ongoing support to maintain certification effectively without letting compliance become burdensome.
What does BS EN 1090 certification cost?
Costs include consultancy support for FPC system development, Notified Body assessment fees, and any costs associated with welding procedure qualifications. Notified Body fees vary based on organisation size and execution class. Contact us for a transparent, tailored proposal based on your specific circumstances.
What is EmmersonWills' approach to BS EN 1090 implementation?
EmmersonWills specialises in simplifying BS EN 1090 certification. We guarantee no easier route to gaining and maintaining certification. Our approach focuses on understanding your fabrication processes, developing practical FPC systems, ensuring welding management meets execution class requirements, and preparing businesses thoroughly for Notified Body assessment. We focus on simplicity, genuine quality improvement, and creating systems that support your business rather than burden it.