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    Standards Comparison

    BRC vs EN 1090

    BRC

    Voluntary
    2022

    GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety management

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    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.

    Food Safety

    BRC

    BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    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
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    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

    AspectBRCEN 1090
    ScopeFood safety management in manufacturingStructural steel/aluminium execution & conformity
    IndustryFood, packaging, storage globallyConstruction, fabrication in EU/EEA
    NatureVoluntary GFSI-benchmarked certificationMandatory harmonized standard for CE marking
    TestingAnnual third-party audits (announced/unannounced)FPC certification with NB surveillance audits
    PenaltiesLoss of certification, market exclusionLegal bans, fines, certificate withdrawal

    Scope

    BRC
    Food safety management in manufacturing
    EN 1090
    Structural steel/aluminium execution & conformity

    Industry

    BRC
    Food, packaging, storage globally
    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication in EU/EEA

    Nature

    BRC
    Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking

    Testing

    BRC
    Annual third-party audits (announced/unannounced)
    EN 1090
    FPC certification with NB surveillance audits

    Penalties

    BRC
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    EN 1090
    Legal bans, fines, certificate withdrawal

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about BRC and EN 1090

    BRC FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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