SQF vs EN 1090
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems
EN 1090
EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structures
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for global supply chains, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium. Food firms adopt SQF for buyer trust; fabricators follow EN 1090 for legal market access.
SQF
SQF Code Edition 9 (October 2020)
Key Features
- Modular structure: universal Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer and supply chain acceptance
- HACCP-based food safety plan with mandatory validation
- Requires full-time onsite SQF Practitioner with authority
- Emphasizes senior management commitment and annual reviews
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Certified Factory Production Control (FPC) system
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
- Mandatory CE marking under CPR
- Welding quality via ISO 3834 integration
- Material traceability and NDT requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
SQF Code Edition 9, administered by SQFI, is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program for food safety and quality. It applies HACCP principles across supply chains from farm to fork, using a modular, risk-based approach with universal Module 2 system elements paired with sector-specific Good Practices.
Key Components
- **Module 2Management commitment, HACCP food safety plan, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing GMPs).
- Built on Codex HACCP; over 20 mandatory elements.
- Third-party audits by accredited certification bodies; annual certification with unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to retailers, reduces audit duplication, aligns with FSMA/EU regs, mitigates recall risks, builds food safety culture. Enhances resilience, supplier controls, and continuous improvement for competitive edge and stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, document HACCP/PRPs, train staff including SQF Practitioner, internal audits, certify. Suits all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical via PDCA, digital tools for traceability.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is the family of European harmonized standards (EN 1090-1, EN 1090-2, EN 1090-3) governing execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components for construction works. It implements the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) via a risk-based approach using Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) to scale requirements for fabrication, welding, tolerances, and inspection.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), CE marking, notified body certification.
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (materials, welding per ISO 3834, corrosion protection, NDT).
- Risk scaling via consequence, service, production categories; ongoing surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for CE marking and EU/EEA market access for load-bearing components.
- Mitigates structural failure risks, ensures traceability, reduces liability.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables competitive bidding on high-risk projects.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, welding qualification, NB audits. Targets fabricators; 6-12 months typical, with certification and surveillance. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management across supply chain | Structural steel/aluminium execution & conformity |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, global | Construction fabrication, EU/EEA steel/aluminium |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI certification standard | Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced | FPC certification, initial inspection, surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Legal bans, fines, certificate suspension |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and EN 1090
SQF FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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