Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standard for structural steel/aluminium execution and CE marking

    VS

    C-TPAT

    Voluntary
    2001

    Voluntary U.S. program for supply chain security partnership

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC certification, ensuring execution quality. C-TPAT voluntarily secures U.S. supply chains against terrorism for faster trade. Fabricators need EN 1090 for market access; traders adopt C-TPAT for efficiency.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

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

    Key Features

    • Mandates CE marking via certified Factory Production Control
    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4) scaling requirements
    • Requires welding quality per ISO 3834 standards
    • Ensures full material and process traceability
    • Demands notified body initial audits and surveillance
    Supply Chain Security

    C-TPAT

    Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

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

    Key Features

    • Voluntary CBP partnership securing supply chains
    • Role-specific Minimum Security Criteria (MSC)
    • Risk-based validations and tiered benefits
    • Business partner vetting and monitoring
    • Mutual Recognition Agreements for global trade

    Detailed Analysis

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

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for execution of steel (EN 1090-2) and aluminium (EN 1090-3) structures, with EN 1090-1 defining conformity assessment. It enables CE marking under CPR for load-bearing components in construction works. Primary purpose: ensure controlled fabrication, assembly and performance declaration via risk-based approach using Execution Classes (EXC1-4).

    Key Components

    • **Factory Production Control (FPC)documented system for traceability, inspection, welding.
    • Welding management aligned to ISO 3834.
    • Consequence/Service/Production categories matrix for EXC assignment.
    • Notified Body certification of FPC with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, rework via disciplined processes. Builds trust, enables high-risk projects (EXC3/4), competitive edge in tenders.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel qualification, NB audits. Applies to fabricators EU-wide; 6-12 months typical, certified by notified bodies like TÜV SÜD.

    C-TPAT Details

    What It Is

    C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary public-private partnership framework administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its primary purpose is to secure international supply chains against terrorism and crime while facilitating legitimate trade through risk-based security measures.

    Key Components

    • 12 Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) domains: risk assessment, business partners, cybersecurity, conveyance/seal security, physical access, personnel security, procedural security, agricultural security, training, and more.
    • Role-specific tailoring for importers, exporters, carriers, brokers, etc.
    • 2021 Best Practices Framework for exceeding MSCs with verifiable practices.
    • Compliance via security profile, validations, and continuous improvement.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Trade facilitation: reduced inspections, FAST lanes, priority processing.
    • Risk mitigation: enhanced supply chain resilience.
    • Competitive edge: trusted trader status, mutual recognition agreements.
    • No legal mandate but strategic for high-volume importers/exporters.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, remediation, profile submission, CBP validation.
    • Cross-functional teams; 6-12 months typical.
    • Applies globally to trade entities; validations required for full benefits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of structural steel/aluminium
    C-TPAT
    International supply chain security against terrorism

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, steel/aluminium fabrication (EU/EEA)
    C-TPAT
    Trade, logistics, importers/exporters (U.S.-focused)

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized EU standard, mandatory CE marking
    C-TPAT
    Voluntary U.S. CBP partnership program

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, notified body audits/surveillance
    C-TPAT
    Risk-based CBP validations, internal self-assessments

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, legal liability without CE mark
    C-TPAT
    Benefit suspension, no direct legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and C-TPAT

    EN 1090 FAQ

    C-TPAT FAQ

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