Standards Comparison

    ISO 13485

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for medical device quality management systems

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 13485 provides risk-based QMS for global medical device makers to ensure regulatory compliance and patient safety. EN 1090 mandates CE marking via FPC for EU structural steel/aluminium fabricators. Companies adopt them for market access, liability reduction, and operational excellence.

    Quality Management

    ISO 13485

    ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices Quality management systems

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based controls across device lifecycle stages
    • Mandatory medical device files for traceability
    • Explicit post-market surveillance and complaints handling
    • Process, software, and sterilization validation requirements
    • Outsourced processes with written quality agreements
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

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

    Key Features

    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Body
    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) scaling requirements
    • CE marking and Declaration of Performance under CPR
    • Welding quality management aligned with ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and geometrical tolerance controls

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 13485 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 13485:2016 is an international certification standard titled "Medical devices – Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes." It provides a risk-based framework for organizations in the medical device lifecycle, from design to post-market surveillance, ensuring consistent conformity to customer and regulatory requirements.

    Key Components

    • Organized into Clauses 4–8: QMS/documentation, management responsibility, resources, product realization, measurement/improvement.
    • Emphasizes documented procedures, medical device files, validation, traceability, and CAPA.
    • Built on process approach with regulatory integration; certification via accredited bodies with stage 1/2 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access (EU MDR, FDA QMSR alignment by 2026).
    • Reduces risks like recalls via supplier controls and post-market obligations.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, operational efficiency, and competitive edge in global supply chains.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, validation, audits (9–18 months typical).
    • Applies to manufacturers, suppliers, distributors; requires eQMS, training, continual improvement.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a family of European harmonized standards (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) for the execution and conformity assessment of steel and aluminium structural components and kits. It implements the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), enabling CE marking through a risk-based approach via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4).

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification, Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution (materials, welding, tolerances, inspection, corrosion protection).
    • Core principles: Risk-scaled controls linking consequence class, service category, production category.
    • Notified Body certification with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access via CE marking.
    • Reduces liability, ensures traceability, improves weld quality.
    • Builds trust with stakeholders, enables high-risk projects.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: Gap analysis, FPC design, personnel training, NB audits.
    • Applies to fabricators in construction; scales by size/EXC.
    • Requires FPC certification, welding coordinator, ISO 3834 alignment. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 13485
    Medical device QMS lifecycle from design to post-market
    EN 1090
    Structural steel/aluminium execution and conformity assessment

    Industry

    ISO 13485
    Medical devices, global manufacturers and suppliers
    EN 1090
    Construction, EU steel/aluminium structural fabricators

    Nature

    ISO 13485
    Voluntary certification standard for regulatory alignment
    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard mandatory for EU CE marking

    Testing

    ISO 13485
    Internal audits, process validation, certification body audits
    EN 1090
    FPC certification, ITT/ITC, notified body surveillance

    Penalties

    ISO 13485
    Loss of certification, market access barriers
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, legal enforcement under CPR

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 13485 and EN 1090

    ISO 13485 FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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