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Factory Production Control Certificates (FPC)


Factory Production Control (FPC) Certificates

BC1: 2023 Design Guide for the Use of Alternative Structural Steel to Eurocode 3
BC1, initially released in 2008, aimed to expand the range of available structural steel materials for local use and ensure their compliance, quality, and traceability from diverse sources. Subsequent revisions in 2012 and 2023 broadened its scope to include additional steel products, quality assurance systems for the reuse of structural steel, and an expanded list of structural steel standards compatible with Eurocode’s design. BC1 allows for the use of steel materials produced in accordance with international product standards other than BS EN, such as American (ASTM), Japanese (JIS), Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS), Chinese (GB), and Korean (KS) standards, in conjunction with Eurocodes for design purposes.

For more information, the BC1: 2023, Handbook to BC1:2023, and the corresponding circular can be downloaded from the following links:

BCA Circular on BC1: 2023 – https://corenet.gov.sg/media/2391873/appbca-2023-08-revised-bc1-2023.pdf

BC1: 2023 – https://go.gov.sg/bc1-2023

Handbook to BC1: 2023 – https://go.gov.sg/handbook-to-bc1-2023

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on BC1 and FPC Certificates


Question 1:
Who is BC1 applicable to?
Answer:
BC1 guidelines are intended to provide guidance for structural steel works that are to be used as permanent building elements, or temporary earth retaining structural systems where Structural (‘ST’) plans are required to be submitted to BCA for approval. These structures with steel elements being submitted for approval would have to meet BC1 requirements.


Question 2:
Obtaining FPC certificates for structural bolts and nuts is proving difficult (up to 06/03/2009). What is BCA’s position regarding bolts and nuts having no FPC certificates? How will they be treated?

Answer:
As of 1st January 2009, structural bolts and nuts are to meet BC1 requirements. Without FPC, the bolts and nuts are treated as Class 3. However, the supplier may wish to qualify the bolts and nuts for Class 2, if their adequacy and reliability can be guaranteed through rigorous control and testing plans of the materials delivered to site (see BC1, Section 4.4 and BC1 Handbook Section 2.4).


Question 3:
Where can I find a list of certification agencies acceptable to BCA?

Answer:
With the publication of BC1: 2023, certification agencies intending to conduct audits under BC1 must now be accredited by the SAC for the requirements of SAC CT24 as Certification Bodies (CB) in order to carry out FPC certification to BC1.

As of 01 Jan 2024 (the “Effective Date”), new FPC certificates issued by certification agencies that are not accredited by SAC will not be acceptable. However, FPC certificates from recognized certification agencies that were issued before the Effective Date will remain acceptable until the end of their validity. These recognized agencies can be found in our response to Question 10 below.

To find the list of accredited CB by SAC, please refer to the steps below and visit the SAC website.

SAC website: https://sacinet2.enterprisesg.gov.sg/sacsearch/search


Question 4:
Does a structural steel designer have to design his structure based on Class 2 materials because he anticipates a lack of availability of Class 1 materials?

Answer:
FPC requirement is not an excuse for a designer to over-design a structure. It is a means for ensuring material quality by ensuring manufacturers have undergone a quality audit. Over-designing steel structures is not advantageous to the developer because they will have to assume the additional cost. Therefore, it is advised that the designer still approach designs on the assumption of the availability of Class 1 materials.


Question 5:
Are there any mills in China where they have FPC/CE mark for steel sections (i.e. I-beams, columns, angles, channels etc)?

Answer:
Based on our understanding, there are mills in China with FPC to BC1 issued by recognized certification agencies or accredited certification bodies. Any queries or feedback regarding the FPC certifications issued by these respective certification agencies or accredited certification bodies can be directed to their email contacts listed in Question 10 or the SAC website.


Question 6:
Can steel material manufactured to BS EN standards with FPC or MTC bearing CE mark be acceptable to the authority?

Answer:
BC1 provides guidance on alternative steel materials not manufactured to BS EN Standards, to be used in structural design based on SS EN 1993. Steel materials manufactured to BS EN Standards with the certificate of conformity (i.e. FPC) for BS EN steel materials issued by a Notified Body under the European Union Construction Directives are not considered as alternative steel material. However, the FPC certificate or Manufacturer Test Certificate (MTC) should bear the CE Marking for it to be acceptable in lieu of an FPC certification to BC1 for use in Singapore.

In the absence of CE Marking, the steel material should be considered an alternative steel material and must comply with BC1 in order to be used in Singapore. This includes the necessity for FPC certification to BC1.


Question 7:
For structural steel materials (i.e. plates and sections) that are manufactured to BC1 certified specifications but the manufacturer is unable to provide an FPC, what is the testing required to classify such materials to be Class 2?

Answer:
Reference should be made to Appendix B within BC1.


Question 8:
For structural steel materials (i.e. plates and sections) that are manufactured to BC1 certified specifications but the manufacturer is unable to provide an FPC, what is the testing required to classify such materials to be Class 2?

Answer:
Using steel sections in JIS Grade SS400 as an example, since this grade is not a certified specification within BC1, an FPC issued for Grade SS400 is not acceptable within the guidelines of BC1.


Question 9:
Can JIS Grade SS400 be used without FPC certificate?

Answer:
No.


Question 10:
Who can I direct queries or feedback on FPCs to?

Answer:
Queries or feedback with regard to FPC certifications issued by the respective certification agencies in compliance with BC1: 2012 can be directed to their email contacts listed below.

However, with the publication of the new BC1: 2023, certification agencies intending to conduct audits under BC1 must now be accredited by the SAC for the requirements of SAC CT24 as Certification Bodies (CB) in order to carry out FPC certification to BC1.

Hence, effective from 01 Jan 2024 (the “Effective Date”), new FPC certificates issued by certification agencies that are not accredited by SAC will not be acceptable. However, FPC certificates from recognised certification agencies that were issued before the Effective Date will remain acceptable until the end of their validity. You may locate the list of CB via SAC website.


LRQA Ltd
460 Alexandra Road, mTower #15-01, Singapore 119963
Mr. Bernard Teoh, Senior Surveyor - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mobile: +65 9234 5388
Website: www.lrqa.com

 

Apave TIV Asia Pte Ltd
450 Alexandra Road, #04-01 UE Bizhub West, Singapore 119960
Mr. M.S. Rajendran - Regional Verification Manager - Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mr. S. Arunkumar - Operations Manager - Email :  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mr. Andy Yan - Assistant Manager - Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.apave.com

 

Bureau Veritas Singapore Pte Ltd
Industry & Facilities Division - 2 Toh Tuck Link #02-00 Singapore 596225
Mr. Adrian Lo - General Manager - Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.bureauveritas.com

 

KR Asia-Pacific Headquarters (Singapore)
138 Cecil Street, #09-01, Cecil Court, Singapore 069538
Mr. Hyohum Yeon - Business development manager (Marine & Offshore) - E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website : www.krhellas.com

 

TÜV Rheinland Singapore Pte Ltd
25 International Business Park #01-57/58
German Centre, Singapore 609916
Ms. Miranda Chen - E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.tuv.com

 

DNV GL Business Assurance Singapore Pte Ltd
16 Science Park Drive Singapore 118227
Mr. Silas Ding - Business Development Manager (SEA Region) - E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Website: www.dnvgllearning.com

 

SGS Testing & Control Services Singapore Pte Ltd
3 Toh Tuck Link #01-02/03 Signapore 596228
Mr Andrew Chae - Business Manager - Industrial Services - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mr. Harry Zakaria - Business Development Manager - Industrial Services - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.sgs.com

 

CARES Certification Pte Ltd
11 Floor, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
Mr Yap Chin Seng - CARES Regional Operation Manager  - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: https://www.caressingapore.com/

 

TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd
1 Science Park Drive Singapore 118221
Mr Chia Kok Heng - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: http://www.tuv-sud-psb.sg