Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standards for steel/aluminium structural execution and conformity

    VS

    EU AI Act

    Mandatory
    2024

    EU regulation for risk-based AI governance and safety

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC for EU construction market access, while EU AI Act regulates high-risk AI with conformity assessments and fines up to 7% turnover. Companies adopt EN 1090 for fabrication compliance, AI Act for safe AI deployment.

    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 through certified Factory Production Control
    • Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-EXC4 scaling requirements
    • Integrates ISO 3834 welding quality management system
    • Enforces full material traceability and NDT inspections
    • Enables EU market access for structural components
    Artificial Intelligence

    EU AI Act

    Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 Artificial Intelligence Act

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based classification of AI systems
    • Prohibits unacceptable-risk AI practices
    • High-risk conformity assessments and CE marking
    • GPAI model transparency and systemic risk duties
    • Post-market monitoring and incident reporting

    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 (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It governs execution and conformity assessment of steel and aluminium structural components/kits for construction works. Primary purpose: ensure controlled fabrication, welding, tolerances, and inspection for CE marking. Key approach: risk-based scaling via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) linking consequence, service, and production categories.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1FPC certification, AVCP systems, DoP issuance.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (materials, welding per ISO 3834, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT).
    • Core principles: traceability, qualified personnel, inspection regimes.
    • Compliance model: Notified Body certification with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EU/EEA market access; reduces liability, rework, failures. Drives capability building, competitive bidding, stakeholder trust via CE marking.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, welding quals, NB audits. Targets fabricators; 6-12 months typical; requires certification for EXC-rated production.

    EU AI Act Details

    What It Is

    The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is a comprehensive regulation establishing the first horizontal framework for AI in the EU. It entered into force on 1 August 2024 with phased applicability. Its primary purpose is to ensure AI systems are safe, transparent, and respect fundamental rights across sectors. The risk-based approach classifies AI into unacceptable (prohibited), high-risk, limited-risk (transparency), and minimal-risk categories.

    Key Components

    • Prohibited practices (Article 5), high-risk requirements (Articles 9-15: risk management, data governance, documentation, human oversight, cybersecurity).
    • GPAI model obligations (Chapter V), conformity assessments, CE marking, EU database registration.
    • Built on product safety principles with up to 7% global turnover fines.
    • Compliance via self-assessment or notified bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access, avoiding fines up to €40M or 7% turnover.
    • Enhances risk management, trust, and competitiveness.
    • Builds stakeholder confidence in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: inventory, classify AI, build RMS/QMS, conformity, post-market monitoring.
    • Applies to providers/deployers globally if outputs used in EU; cross-functional for all sizes.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution of steel/aluminium structural components
    EU AI Act
    Risk-based regulation of AI systems lifecycle

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication (EU/EEA market)
    EU AI Act
    All sectors using AI (EU-wide, extraterritorial)

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard under CPR (mandatory CE)
    EU AI Act
    Directly applicable EU regulation (mandatory)

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, surveillance audits by NB
    EU AI Act
    Conformity assessment, notified body for high-risk

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, no CE marking
    EU AI Act
    Fines up to 7% global turnover

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and EU AI Act

    EN 1090 FAQ

    EU AI Act FAQ

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