POPIA
South Africa’s comprehensive personal information protection regulation
EN 1090
EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structures execution
Quick Verdict
POPIA enforces data privacy across South African organizations via eight processing conditions and Regulator oversight, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium through FPC certification. Companies adopt POPIA for compliance and trust; EN 1090 for market access.
POPIA
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
Key Features
- Protects juristic persons as data subjects
- Mandates eight conditions for lawful processing
- Requires Information Officer appointment
- Enforces continuous security risk cycle
- Prior authorization for high-risk processing
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4)
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
- CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding management via ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
POPIA Details
What It Is
Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013) (POPIA) is South Africa’s comprehensive privacy regulation. It establishes minimum enforceable requirements for processing personal information of natural and juristic persons via eight conditions for lawful processing, overseen by the Information Regulator. Adopts a risk-based, accountability-driven approach.
Key Components
- **Eight conditionsAccountability, processing limitation, purpose specification, further processing limitation, information quality, openness, security safeguards, data subject participation.
- **Data subject rightsAccess, correction, objection, breach notification.
- **GovernanceMandatory Information Officer, operator contracts.
- No formal certification; compliance via Regulator enforcement, fines up to ZAR 10 million.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for all processing personal information in South Africa; reduces regulatory fines, criminal penalties, civil claims. Enhances trust, data hygiene, security posture; enables market access, B2B differentiation.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, data mapping, policies, controls, training. Applies universally—no thresholds; suits all sizes/industries. Requires audits, DPIAs; ongoing Regulator engagement.
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 and kits. It implements EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) requirements, enabling CE marking. The risk-based methodology employs Execution Classes (EXC1-4), linking consequence, service, and production categories to scaled controls for welding, inspection, and traceability.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1FPC certification, AVCP, DoP, Notified Body oversight.
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for materials, welding (ISO 3834), tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT.
- Core principles: traceability, qualified personnel, process controls.
- Certification via initial audits, ongoing surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EEA market access with CE marking.
- Mitigates liability, ensures safety.
- Drives quality, reduces rework, enhances competitiveness.
- Builds stakeholder trust through certified capability.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, FPC build, training, NB certification (3-12 months). Targets fabricators in construction; requires welding coordinators, digital traceability.
Key Differences
| Aspect | POPIA | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal information processing conditions | Structural steel/aluminium execution & conformity |
| Industry | All sectors in South Africa | Construction/metal fabrication in EU/EEA |
| Nature | Mandatory national privacy statute | Harmonized standard for CE marking |
| Testing | Security measures & DPIAs | FPC certification & surveillance audits |
| Penalties | ZAR 10M fines & imprisonment | Market exclusion & certificate suspension |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about POPIA and EN 1090
POPIA FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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