EN1090 and CE / UKCA Marking Explained

If you're specifying or buying structural steelwork, you'll come across EN1090, Execution Classes and CE / UKCA marking. Here's what they actually mean and why they matter.

What EN1090 is

EN1090 is the standard that governs the fabrication of structural steel (and aluminium) for construction. It sets out the requirements a fabricator must meet — welding procedures, quality control, traceability and factory production control — to produce structural steel that's fit to carry load in a building.

To legally supply structural steelwork in the UK, a fabricator must be certified to EN1090-1 and operate a documented Factory Production Control system, audited by a notified body.

Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4)

EN1090 defines four Execution Classes that set how rigorous the fabrication and inspection has to be, from EXC1 (lowest risk) to EXC4 (highest). The class depends on the consequences of failure and the type of loading:

• EXC1 — simple, low-risk components
• EXC2 — most general structural steelwork
• EXC3 — more demanding structures and connections (this is the level we're approved to)
• EXC4 — the most critical structures

Being certified to EXC3 means we can fabricate more demanding structural work, not just the basics.

CE and UKCA marking

A CE mark (or UKCA mark in Great Britain) on structural steel is the fabricator's declaration that the steelwork was made to EN1090 to the required Execution Class, with the documentation to back it up. For anyone buying fabricated structural steel, it's the proof that it was made properly.

Why it matters to you

• Compliance — building control and specifiers expect EN1090-compliant, marked steelwork.
• Traceability — you get mill certificates and test documentation for your records.
• Confidence — it shows the steel was fabricated to a recognised standard, not in someone's shed.

We're UKAS-approved and certified to EN1090-1 Execution Level 3, and every structural job leaves with the right documentation. See how we work with architects and main contractors.

Frequently asked questions

Does a small domestic beam need to be EN1090 / CE marked? Structural steel components placed on the market should be CE/UKCA marked to EN1090. Working with a certified fabricator keeps you on the right side of it and gives building control the documentation they want.

What Execution Class do I need? Your engineer or the structure determines it — most general work is EXC2, with EXC3 for more demanding structures. We cover up to EXC3.

Can you supply the documentation? Yes — mill certs and the relevant test and declaration documents come with the steelwork. Get in touch to discuss a project.