BS EN 1090 Certification: UKCA/CE Marking Guide for Structural Steel

Kerrith Soden
Nov 6
4 min read

If you work with structural steel in the UK, you’ve probably heard of BS EN 1090.Maybe you know it as a standard you “need to comply with,” but what does achieving BS EN 1090 Certification actually mean in practice?

BS EN 1090 isn’t just another box-ticking exercise. It’s a legal requirement for all structural steelwork, and more importantly, it’s a framework that separates businesses that build to standard from those that set the standard.

This guide breaks down what BS EN 1090 is, what the key parts mean in plain English, and how compliance can actually give your business a competitive edge.

What is BS EN 1090 and Why it is a Legal Requirement

BS EN 1090 is the European (and now UK-adopted) standard that governs the fabrication and assembly of structural steel and aluminium components.

In simple terms, it sets the rules for how steel structures, from staircases to bridges, are manufactured safely.

Under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), any structural component placed on the market in the UK or EU must be CE or UKCA marked, and compliance with BS EN 1090 is how you legally demonstrate that.

So, if you manufacture structural steelwork that’s part of a load-bearing structure, you are legally required to comply. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action, rejected projects, and loss of credibility with clients.

But beyond legality, BS EN 1090 gives fabricators a structured quality system, ensuring consistent standards, better workmanship, and trust from contractors and clients alike.

BS EN 1090 Execution Classes Explained: EXC1 to EXC4

One of the most confusing parts of BS EN 1090 Certification is the concept of Execution Classes (EXC), but they’re actually quite simple once you strip away the jargon.

Execution Classes define the level of quality control and competence required, depending on the risk and complexity of the structure.

There are four levels:

EXC1 – Simple structures, low risk. Think small farm buildings, gates, handrails, or similar. Welding and quality requirements are basic but still must follow approved procedures.
EXC2 – Standard for most structural steelwork. This covers typical buildings such as warehouses, commercial structures, and residential steel frames. Most projects in the UK fall under EXC2.
EXC3 – High safety requirements. Applies to larger public structures like stadia, bridges, or taller buildings where failure could have serious consequences.
EXC4 – Exceptional risk structures. Rarely used, but relevant for things like nuclear facilities or long-span bridges where the highest safety and quality controls are mandatory.

It’s worth noting that a single structure can contain elements with different Execution Classes.

Implementing a Factory Production Control (FPC) System for BS EN 1090

To achieve BS EN 1090 Certification, every fabricator must have a Factory Production Control (FPC) system in place.

This is essentially your quality management system, ensuring every process from receiving materials to final inspection is controlled and traceable.

An effective FPC system includes:

Documented welding procedures (WPS) and welder qualifications (ISO 15614 & ISO 9606).
Material traceability and inspection records.
Calibrated measuring and testing equipment.
Clear responsibilities and competency for key roles (such as a Responsible Welding Coordinator, or RWC).

In other words, the FPC ensures that you don’t just produce a compliant product once—you do it consistently.

The Path to UKCA and CE Marking for Structural Steel

Marking your product with CE (for EU markets) or UKCA (for the UK) demonstrates that it meets the essential performance and safety requirements.

To achieve your UKCA Marking for structural steel, you must:

Have an independent Auditing or Notified Body assess and approve your FPC system.
Produce a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for each product type.
Affix the CE or UKCA mark to your product and/or documentation.

Once certified, you can legally place your products on the market. BS EN 1090 Certification is not a one-time badge; it’s a living system that requires ongoing compliance, periodic audits, and continued staff competence.

Common BS EN 1090 Certification Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Despite good intentions, many fabricators struggle with BS EN 1090 for the same few reasons:

Underestimating the paperwork. Documentation is often the hardest part, not the welding itself. Having structured templates and procedures in place early makes compliance far less daunting.
Lack of qualified personnel. Every certified company must appoint an RWC (Responsible Welding Coordinator) with sufficient technical knowledge. Many businesses outsource or train someone internally for this role.
Poor traceability. Missing material certificates or incomplete weld records are a common cause of failed audits. Digital tracking systems can make this process seamless.
Confusion between standards. ISO 9606 (welder qualification) and ISO 15614 (procedure qualification) all interlink and serve different purposes. Understanding how they fit together is key to achieving BS EN 1090 Certification.

The good news? Once these systems are in place, compliance becomes routine.

Competitive Advantage: The Business Benefits of BS EN 1090 Certification

Yes, BS EN 1090 is a legal necessity, but it’s also a powerful business tool.

Companies that embrace BS EN 1090 Certification often find they:

Win more work. Many main contractors will only work with certified fabricators.
Reduce rework and wastage. Consistent production control means fewer costly mistakes.
Strengthen client confidence. Certification is proof of professionalism and reliability.
Stand out from competitors. Many smaller fabricators still lack BS EN 1090 Certification, so being compliant sets you apart.
Future-proof your business. Standards evolve, but a robust system adapts with them.

Ultimately, BS EN 1090 isn’t about red tape. It’s about raising the bar for quality, safety, and reputation in structural steel.

Author:

Kerrith Soden, Business Development Manager at CDL Group

Kerrith supports structural steel and aluminium fabricators across the UK, focusing on navigating complex quality and compliance requirements under standards such as BS EN 1090, ISO 9606, and ISO 15614.