BRC vs EN 1090
BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety management
EN 1090
EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for global supply chains, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium in EU construction. Companies adopt BRC for retailer access and risk reduction; EN 1090 for legal market entry and liability protection.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification for food manufacturers
- Senior management commitment and HACCP foundation
- Nine core clauses with fundamental requirements
- Environmental monitoring and food defence expansion
- Unannounced audits with performance grading
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Body
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
- Mandatory CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding quality management via ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspection regimes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked third-party certification framework for food manufacturers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based food safety plans, and robust prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, high-risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management, CAPA) critical for certification.
- Built on risk-based hazard analysis including fraud and defence.
- Graded audits (AA/A/B/C/D) with announced/unannounced options.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to retailers, reduces duplicative audits, demonstrates due diligence, mitigates recall risks (allergens, pathogens), builds trust. Strategic for supply chain resilience and FSMA alignment.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Applies to manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical, high complexity/cost due to prescriptive controls and annual audits.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It governs the execution, fabrication, assembly, and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components and kits for construction works. Its risk-based approach uses Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) to scale requirements based on failure consequences, service conditions, and production complexity.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification, Declaration of Performance (DoP), and CE marking.
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium—materials, welding (ISO 3834), tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection/NDT.
- **Core principlesTraceability, qualified personnel, process controls; certified by Notified Bodies with ongoing surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for CE marking and EU market access.
- Reduces liability, rework, and ensures safety.
- Builds trust, enables high-risk projects, integrates with ISO 9001/3834.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, welding quals, NB certification (3-12 months). Applies to fabricators in EU/EEA; audits/surveillance required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management in manufacturing | Structural steel/aluminium execution & conformity |
| Industry | Food, packaging, storage globally | Construction, fabrication in EU/EEA |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification | Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits (announced/unannounced) | FPC certification with NB surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Legal bans, fines, certificate withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and EN 1090
BRC FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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