Standards Comparison

    EPA

    Mandatory
    1970

    Federal regulations for air, water, waste protection via standards

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel/aluminium structures execution and CE marking

    Quick Verdict

    EPA enforces US environmental compliance via statutes like CAA/CWA/RCRA for pollution control, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium fabrication. Companies adopt EPA to avoid penalties; EN 1090 for market access and liability protection.

    Environmental Protection

    EPA

    U.S. EPA Standards (40 CFR Title 40)

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

    Key Features

    • Multi-layered system: statutes, 40 CFR regs, permits, enforcement
    • Technology-based limits combined with health-protective standards
    • Evidence-driven compliance via monitoring, QA/QC, reporting
    • Federal-state partnership translating national baselines site-specifically
    • Predictable enforcement pipelines with civil penalties, SEPs
    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 quality management via ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection

    Detailed Analysis

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

    EPA Details

    What It Is

    EPA standards are a family of legally binding regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, codified in Title 40 CFR. They implement statutes like CAA, CWA, RCRA to protect health/environment. Scope covers air, water, waste; uses risk-based systems blending technology controls with health endpoints.

    Key Components

    • Statutory mandates, performance limits/thresholds
    • Permitting (NPDES, Title V, RCRA)
    • Monitoring/reporting (DMRs, QA/QC)
    • Enforcement structures Federal-state model; compliance via data/audits, no certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for regulated entities avoiding penalties/liabilities. Drives risk reduction, efficiency, ESG gains, market access, grants. Builds stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis (1-3mo), controls/SOPs (2-6mo), deployment/training (3-12mo), audits/reporting (ongoing). Applies industry-wide; site-specific via permits/inspections.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components/kits. It enables CE marking under CPR via risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4), governing fabrication, welding, tolerances, and inspection.

    Key Components

    • **Factory Production Control (FPC)Certified internal system for traceability, processes, and testing.
    • **Welding qualityISO 3834-aligned coordination and qualifications.
    • Material controls, NDT/inspection, corrosion protection.
    • AVCP with Notified Body certification and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU/EEA market access and legal CE marking.
    • Mitigates liability, ensures structural safety.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, enables high-risk projects (e.g., bridges, stadia).
    • Drives quality, reduces rework, competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, personnel training, ITT/ITC, NB audits. Targets fabricators in construction; 6-12 months typical, scalable by EXC.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EPA
    Environmental pollution control across air, water, waste
    EN 1090
    Structural steel/aluminium fabrication and conformity

    Industry

    EPA
    All industrial sectors, US-wide
    EN 1090
    Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA market

    Nature

    EPA
    Mandatory US federal regulations/statutes
    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard enabling CE marking

    Testing

    EPA
    Continuous monitoring, self-reporting, EPA inspections
    EN 1090
    Factory audits, NDT, notified body surveillance

    Penalties

    EPA
    Civil/criminal fines, shutdowns, remediation
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, certificate withdrawal, liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EPA and EN 1090

    EPA FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages