In Europe, CE marking under EN 1090-1 is mandatory before structural steel and aluminium load-bearing components can be placed on the market. For manufacturers operating in this scope, EN 1090-2 (steel) or EN 1090-3 (aluminium) is the application standard defining technical requirements.
CE certification has become a fundamental supplier prerequisite both in domestic tender processes and in projects within the scope of exports to Europe.
Difference Between EN 1090-1 and EN 1090-2
- EN 1090-1: The conformity assessment standard. It defines what Factory Production Control (FPC) system must be established for CE marking and which notified body to work with. The outcome is a CE DoP (Declaration of Performance).
- EN 1090-2: The technical execution standard. Welding, NDT, tolerances, surface treatment and material requirements are defined in this standard. Compliance with EN 1090-2 also requires EN ISO 3834-2 (full quality) or EN ISO 3834-3 (standard quality) certification.
Summary: You follow the EN 1090-1 process to obtain a CE certificate. In doing so, you demonstrate compliance with EN 1090-2 technical requirements. EN ISO 3834-2 is an additional certificate independently documenting the welding quality system.
EXC Execution Classes
EN 1090-2 categorises structural components into four execution classes. The higher the class, the more demanding the requirements:
| Class | Application | NDT Rate | Welding Quality System |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXC1 | Low consequence, secondary structural components | None (VT sufficient) | EN ISO 3834-4 |
| EXC2 | Most structural steelwork in buildings, medium risk | 5% (NDT) | EN ISO 3834-3 |
| EXC3 | Bridges, heavy industrial structures, high consequence | 10% (critical zones 25%) | EN ISO 3834-2 |
| EXC4 | High seismic zones, nuclear, exceptional risk | 20% (critical zones 50%) | EN ISO 3834-2 |
ArmaWeld is qualified to manufacture under EN 1090-2 EXC3. This is the most demanding commercial class covering the vast majority of the market.
What Is Required Under EXC3?
Welding Management
- Approved WPS for all welding processes (EN ISO 15614-1/2)
- EN ISO 9606-1/2 qualified welders
- Welding coordinator (IWE or IWT level, EN ISO 14731)
- No welding outside WPS scope
NDT Requirements
- Minimum 10% of all CJP (complete joint penetration) weld seams inspected by UT or RT
- This ratio increases to 25% at critical joints
- EN ISO 9712 Level 2 certified NDT personnel
Material and Traceability
- EN 10204 3.1 material certificate (3.2 in some cases)
- Traceability of each part by HEAT/LOT number
- Documentation of welding procedure, welder and material chain
CE Marking Process
Steps required for a manufacturer to obtain CE certification under EN 1090-1:
- Establishing the Factory Production Control (FPC) System: Procedures, records, equipment calibration system and personnel competencies are documented.
- Notified Body Application: An EU-accredited notified body (e.g. TÜV, Bureau Veritas, DNV) conducts a factory audit.
- Initial Type Testing: Representative product samples are tested against standard requirements.
- CE DoP Issue: The declaration of conformity is published and the CE mark is affixed to the product.
- Annual Surveillance Audit: The notified body audits the factory once a year.
Note for EXC3: The notified body must explicitly approve the execution class. EXC3 projects cannot be undertaken with an EXC2 certificate.
Relationship with EN ISO 3834-2
The EN ISO 3834-2 (Comprehensive Quality) certificate, mandatory for EN 1090 EXC3, demonstrates that the welding quality management system has been approved by an independent certification body. This certificate:
- Is valid not only for EN 1090-scope work but for all welded fabrication projects
- Complements ISO 9001; covers welding process-specific requirements
- Also intersects with other standards such as PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) and EN 15085 (railway)
Looking for EXC3 Scope Manufacturing?
Visit our quality page or request a quote to learn about ArmaWeld's quality certificates and approved WPS portfolio.
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