Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standards for steel/aluminium structural execution and CE marking

    VS

    ISO 19600

    Voluntary
    2014

    International guidelines for compliance management systems

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC and execution classes in EU construction, while ISO 19600 provides voluntary CMS guidelines for all organizations. Firms adopt EN 1090 for market access; ISO 19600 for governance frameworks.

    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) scaling requirements
    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certified by Notified Bodies
    • CE marking pathway under EU Construction Products Regulation
    • Technical execution rules for steel structures (EN 1090-2)
    • Welding quality management aligned with ISO 3834
    Compliance Management

    ISO 19600

    ISO 19600:2014 — Compliance management systems — Guidelines

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based compliance management framework
    • Principles of good governance for CMS
    • Annex SL structure with PDCA cycle
    • Proportionality and scalability for all sizes
    • Integration with existing management systems

    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) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components under the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR). Its primary purpose is enabling CE marking for load-bearing components in construction works via risk-based controls.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Bodies.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical requirements for steel/aluminium execution (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection).
    • **Execution Classes (EXC1-4)Scales rigor by consequence, service, production categories.
    • Built on ISO 3834 for welding; AVCP systems for certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures traceability. Drives quality, weld integrity, risk management. Builds stakeholder trust via certified FPC and CE marking; competitive edge in tenders.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC design, personnel qualification (rWC), NB certification, surveillance. Applies to fabricators; 6-12 months typical; requires audits, welding quals.

    ISO 19600 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 19600:2014 — Compliance management systems — Guidelines is a Type B guidance standard from the International Organization for Standardization. It provides recommendations for establishing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). Applicable to all organizations, it uses a risk-based approach integrated with frameworks like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, emphasizing proportionality and sustainability.

    Key Components

    • Ten clauses in Annex SL structure: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Core principles: good governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; no fixed number of controls.
    • Non-certifiable; benchmarks CMS for self-assessment and ISO 37301 transition.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Reduces legal, regulatory, reputational risks via structured processes.
    • Drives efficiency, strategic insights, market access.
    • Fosters integrity culture, employee engagement.
    • Enhances stakeholder trust, competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased roadmap: leadership commitment, gap analysis, design, rollout, continuous improvement.
    • Scalable for SMEs to multinationals, all sectors.
    • Internal audits, management reviews; no formal certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    ISO 19600
    Guidelines for compliance management systems

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, steel/aluminium fabrication, EU-focused
    ISO 19600
    All industries and organization types worldwide

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard enabling mandatory CE marking
    ISO 19600
    Voluntary non-certifiable guidelines (withdrawn)

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, ITT/ITC, notified body surveillance
    ISO 19600
    Internal audits, management reviews, self-assessment

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, no CE marking, legal liability
    ISO 19600
    No legal penalties, internal governance risks only

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and ISO 19600

    EN 1090 FAQ

    ISO 19600 FAQ

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