Standards Comparison

    CAA

    Mandatory
    1970

    U.S. federal law regulating stationary and mobile air emissions

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    Quick Verdict

    CAA mandates US air quality standards and emissions controls for industries nationwide, while EN 1090 requires CE marking via FPC for EU structural steel/aluminium fabricators. Companies adopt CAA for legal compliance; EN 1090 for market access.

    Air Quality

    CAA

    Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants protecting public health
    • Mandates SIPs for state attainment and maintenance planning
    • Requires Title V permits consolidating applicable requirements
    • Imposes NSPS and MACT technology-based emission standards
    • Enables cooperative federalism with EPA oversight of states
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090: Execution of steel and aluminium structures

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
    • CE marking and Declaration of Performance
    • Welding coordination per ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CAA Details

    What It Is

    Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute. It regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to protect public health and welfare. Employs cooperative federalism, blending ambient standards, technology-based controls, and state implementation.

    Key Components

    • NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary levels.
    • SIPs, Title V permits, NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT.
    • Titles cover mobile sources, acid rain trading (Title IV), ozone protection (Title VI).
    • Enforcement via penalties, sanctions, citizen suits; no formal certification but federally enforceable permits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Meets legal obligations avoiding penalties, sanctions, FIPs. Manages nonattainment risks, enables permitting. Reduces enforcement exposure, supports ESG, ensures operational continuity amid deadlines.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: applicability assessment, emissions inventory, permitting (Title V/NSR), install controls/monitoring (CEMS), reporting (CEDRI/ECMPS), audits. Applies to major sources/industries nationwide; state variations require SIP review.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard series (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/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), CE marking.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (materials, welding per ISO 3834, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT inspection).
    • Core principles: traceability, qualified personnel (Responsible Welding Coordinator), risk-scaled controls.
    • AVCP systems with Notified Body oversight.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU/EEA market access via CE marking.
    • Reduces liability, ensures safety, minimizes rework.
    • Builds trust, enables high-risk projects (e.g., bridges, stadia).

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel training, Notified Body certification, ongoing surveillance. Targets fabricators in construction; 3-12 months typical. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CAA
    Air emissions, NAAQS, source standards, permits
    EN 1090
    Steel/aluminium structural fabrication, conformity

    Industry

    CAA
    All emitting industries, US-wide
    EN 1090
    Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA

    Nature

    CAA
    US federal law, mandatory enforcement
    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard, mandatory CE marking

    Testing

    CAA
    CEMS, stack tests, Title V audits
    EN 1090
    FPC certification, welding quals, NDT

    Penalties

    CAA
    Fines, sanctions, FIPs, citizen suits
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, certificate suspension

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CAA and EN 1090

    CAA FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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