Standards Comparison

    ISO 37301

    Voluntary
    2021

    International certifiable standard for compliance management systems

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel and aluminium structural execution.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 37301 provides certifiable compliance management for all organizations globally, fostering risk-based governance. EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC. Companies adopt ISO 37301 for integrity culture; EN 1090 for legal market access.

    Compliance Management

    ISO 37301

    ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
    • High-Level Structure aligns with other ISO standards
    • Leadership commitment builds compliance culture
    • Risk-based planning addresses obligations and risks
    • Robust whistleblowing protections prevent retaliation
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090: Execution of steel structures

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

    Key Features

    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification required
    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4) scaling
    • CE marking for EU market access
    • Welding quality aligned with ISO 3834
    • Full material and process traceability

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 37301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It applies universally across organizations, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing channels, internal audits, and continual improvement.
    • Built on HLS for integration; companion standards like ISO 37302 for metrics.
    • Supports third-party certification via accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives regulatory compliance, reduces risks/fines, enhances stakeholder trust and reputation. Meets investor/ESG demands, provides certification for competitive edge. Mitigates reputational harm through proactive culture.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, obligation register, training, audits. Scalable for SMEs/enterprises, all sectors/geographies. Requires accredited certification (3-year cycle); integrates with ISO 9001/27001.

    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 structural steel and aluminium components for construction works. Primary purpose: ensure safe fabrication, assembly, and CE marking via risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4).

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection).
    • Core pillars: FPC, welding per ISO 3834, material traceability, NDT inspection.
    • AVCP systems with Notified Body oversight; no fixed control count, scales by EXC.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory CE marking for EU market access.
    • Mitigates liability, reduces rework via disciplined processes.
    • Builds trust, enables high-risk projects (bridges, stadia).
    • Strategic: differentiates via certified quality, traceability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel training, NB certification, surveillance.
    • Targets fabricators in EU/EEA; all sizes, heavy on welding shops.
    • Involves audits, ITT/ITC; 6-12 months typical for EXC2.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 37301
    Compliance management systems across all obligations
    EN 1090
    Execution of steel/aluminium structural components

    Industry

    ISO 37301
    All sectors, global applicability
    EN 1090
    Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA market

    Nature

    ISO 37301
    Voluntary certifiable management standard
    EN 1090
    Mandatory for CE marking under CPR

    Testing

    ISO 37301
    Internal audits, management reviews
    EN 1090
    FPC certification, NB surveillance audits

    Penalties

    ISO 37301
    Loss of certification, no legal fines
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, product recalls

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37301 and EN 1090

    ISO 37301 FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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