EN 1090 CERTIFICATION – STEEL AND ALUMINUM FABRICATION IN UAE
Ensures the Quality and Safety of Steel and Aluminum Structures in Construction, Requiring Compliance with the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) And Legally Affixing the CE Marking and or UKCA Marking to Their Products.
What Is EN 1090 Certification?
EN 1090 is a European harmonized standard that defines the technical and quality requirements for structural steel and aluminium components used in construction.
It is the legal basis for CE Marking of such products under the Construction Products Regulation- for EU and UKCA markings. Being the harmonized European Standard, specifies the requirements for manufacturers of steel and aluminum structural components. Ensures that companies follow proper manufacturing, welding, testing, and documentation procedures to guarantee product safety and consistency. If you manufacture or fabricate load-bearing steel or aluminium components for buildings or structures supplied to the EU and/or UK, EN 1090 compliance is required. It serves as the pathway for meeting the required performance and safety standards for metal structures.
EN 1090 Certification in Brief:
It is not just a quality standard, but a legal requirement in all EU member states. To sell steel and aluminum construction products in the European market, certification is mandatory. Certified products from an accredited company in the UAE are the legal gateway to the European market for specific construction products, the harmonized EN 1090 standard UAE, under the European Construction Products Regulation, for the sale of structural steel and aluminum products in Europe.
Involves cases when a company fails to comply with the standard, the products get blocked and rejected by the European clients. Certification ensures every metal component is strong, reliable, and meets expected loads and environmental conditions. Especially in European projects, it involves a certified system covering everything from materials to testing, resulting in CE marking and UKCA Marking, better tracking, and increased dependability.
Understanding the Parts of EN 1090:
It is divided into three main parts, each covering a different aspect of structural component manufacturing.
EN 1090-1: Requirements for CE Marking / UKCA Marking of Structural Components
This section is the foundation of the standard. It outlines how manufacturers demonstrate compliance for CE Marking/UKCA Marking. It covers:
- FPC, welding coordination, traceability, testing, personnel, consistency
Who Needs It?
Manufacturers supplying structural steel or aluminum components to Europe.
EN 1090-2: Applied for All Fabricated Steel structures and Components
This part ensures that steel structures are manufactured safely and focuses on the manufacturing process.
- Welding, cutting, assembly, tolerances, corrosion protection, documentation
Who Needs It?
Steel fabrication workshops, PEB manufacturers, and industrial steel suppliers.
EN 1090-3: Technical Requirements for Aluminum Structures
Aluminum behaves differently from steel, requiring its own set of controls. This part includes:
- Heat treatment, aluminium welding, testing, finishing, and material qualification
Who Needs It?
Aluminum fabricators, facade suppliers, and modular construction manufacturers.
PEB stands for Pre-Engineered Building.
It is a steel building system where the entire structure is designed, fabricated, and partially assembled in a factory, then transported to site for quick erection.
Execution Classes (EXC): EXC1 to EXC4
One of the most important concepts in the Execution Class (EXC) is the level of structural risk. There are four execution classes:
Execution Class | Description |
EXC1 | Simple, low-risk structures (railings, small supports) |
EXC2 | Standard building components (standard commercial/residential) |
EXC3 | Industrial, heavy-load components Bridges, complex or high-risk structures |
EXC4 | Critical public structures (special bridges, power plants) |
Most UAE manufacturers fall under EXC2 or EXC3 due to the region’s strong focus on commercial buildings, industrial plants, oil & gas structures, and large PEB projects. EXC1 is rarely used, as most fabrication work in the UAE involves engineered load-bearing components. EXC4 applies only to a small number of mega-infrastructure projects requiring the highest level of structural safety.
Benefits of EN 1090 Certification:
The certification is a hint indicating the company has compliance with Factory Production Control for manufacturing structural steel and meets EU legal requirements. It is eligible for CE Marking/UKCA Marking—ensuring legal access to European markets and higher customer confidence. EN 1090 Certification is mandatory for placing steel and aluminum structures.
- EU Market Access: Legally export steel & aluminum components to Europe without rejections.
- Faster Customs Clearance: Reduced shipment delays by meeting all EU compliance requirements.
- Reduced Structural Risk: Standardized welding controls lower failures, rework, and inspection delays.
- Consistent Quality & Traceability: Better documentation and tracking strengthen product reliability.
Welding Requirements and ISO 3834 Welding Quality Management System Integration:
Welding quality determines the strength and performance of a structural component. Because of this, EN 1090 incorporates ISO 3834 (Welding Quality Management System) into its technical framework to ensure every welded joint meets strict European safety and performance requirements. It reduces nonconformities (NCRs), product rejects, rework, and costly project delays.
- Qualified welders: Tested and certified according to EN ISO 9606 by an authorized certification body.
- Certified welding Coordinators: Oversees compliance, supervises welding operations, and ensures procedures are followed.
- Approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS): Defines techniques of welding.
- Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR): Proof of welding procedure was tested and meets mechanical and metallurgical requirements.
- Equipment calibration: Should be calibrated to maintain accuracy.
- Non-destructive testing (NDT): Weld quality is checked using methods like ultrasonic testing, radiography, or dye-penetrant testing.
- Record-keeping: Manufacturers must maintain welding logs, welder qualifications, calibration certificates, NDT reports, and WPQR documentation for audits.
List of Products for Certification:
The UAE has become a major manufacturing and export hub for steel, aluminum, and fabricated structures. Companies seeking entry into the European market must comply with EN 1090 Certification to avoid border rejections and project delays.
UAE industries benefiting from the certification include:
- Steel fabrication workshops: Example- I-beams, columns, trusses, platforms
- Aluminum component manufacturers: Example-curtain wall frames, modular aluminium assemblies
- Construction suppliers : Example-prefabricated structural kits, reinforced frames
- Oil and gas structure manufacturers: Example- pipe supports, skids, offshore brackets
- PEB building manufacturers: Example-purlins, portal frames, steel building systems
- Heavy machinery manufacturers: Example- lifting structures, machine bases, large welded assemblies
Improves product quality, strengthens brand credibility, and opens doors to international projects.
Key Technical Requirements:
To comply with EN 1090, a manufacturer must have:
- Factory Production Control (FPC) system
- ISO 3834 welding quality system
- Qualified welders (ISO 9606)
- Approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS/WPQR)
- Material traceability and inspection records
- Defined inspection and testing plan (ITP)
Establishing Strong Factory Production Control (FPC):
FPC is the backbone of EN 1090-1; manufacturers seeking certification require:
- Material purchasing procedures
- Batch identification and traceability
- Mandatory Quality checks in every stage
- Equipment calibration
- Competency records for welders, inspectors, and operators
- Risk calculation in every phase
- Identification of non-conformities
- Maintaining proper Record-keeping
Audit Ready: Ensure all FPC documents, welder qualifications, calibration certificates, and inspection/NDT records are complete, traceable, and available for the Notified Body audit.
Certification Process:
- Gap Analysis — 1–2 weeks
Identify missing documents, welding controls, and FPC requirements. - FPC & Welding Implementation — 4–10 weeks
Develop procedures, qualify welders, update WPS/WPQR, and establish traceability. - Internal Audit & Notified Body Scheduling — 2–4 weeks
Conduct pre-audit checks, close NCRs, and book the Notified Body assessment. - Certification & CE Marking Issuance — 1–2 weeks
After a successful audit, the Notified Body issues the EN 1090 certificate and CE Marking approval.
Strength of Ascent EMIRATES:
Are you worried about how to acquire EN-1090 in the UAE? Please do not be. Ascent Emirates acts as a consultancy partner, constantly guiding companies towards compliance and certification against EN 1090 standard by providing proper training, documentation, and compliance support. We also help the manufacturers to properly implement factory production control systems and achieve CE marking under EN 1090 requirements.
- In European countries, companies involved in steel and aluminum fabrication are required to obtain certification.
- We help you with gaining Certification, whether you are a manufacturer, a welding workshop, a construction contractor, or a supplier of metal components. EN 1090 determines your credibility in the European market.
- Assist with obtaining the declaration with next to no challenges and with a simple documentation process.
- Our experienced specialists assist workers with the genuine aim, achievements, assignments, cycles, and necessities for getting certified.
- Qualified EN_1090 Certification Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead an expert to deal with your different issues connected with similarity and certificate, and compliance.
- Always at your service 24*7 for clients at no additional expense than the offered charges to an organization.
- Offers training and guidance during the process of receiving the certificate.
Certification ensures the Safety and structural reliability of the metal structures, which meet the strict standards required for CE marking.
Ascent EMIRATES can help you get into EN 1090 Certification in UAE, Oman, & Saudi Arabia, today! So, connect with our expert advisory team @ ascentemirates@gmail.com to learn more. Dial : +971-4-4558490 to avail Best Offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who needs EN 1090 Certification in the UAE?
Any manufacturer producing structural steel or aluminium components for the EU market must comply with EN 1090. This includes fabricators, PEB manufacturers, oil & gas structure suppliers, and workshop-based welding companies.
2. Is ISO 3834 mandatory for EN 1090 compliance?
Yes. Although not legally required in every case, ISO 3834 is practically mandatory because Notified Bodies use it to assess welding quality management, making certification difficult without it.
3. How do UAE manufacturers decide their Execution Class (EXC)?
EXC is based on the risk level of the structure, client requirements, and intended use. EXC2 is suitable for general buildings, EXC3 is designed for industrial or heavy-load structures, and EXC4 applies to high-risk public projects, such as stadiums.
4. How long does EN 1090 certification remain valid?
The certification remains valid as long as the manufacturer passes annual surveillance audits and maintains FPC, welding quality, and documentation requirements.
5. Can certification improve factory efficiency?
Absolutely. FPC implementation reduces defects, enhances traceability, streamlines production, and improves coordination between welding, material procurement, and inspection teams.
