The Difference Between EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2 Certificates

EN 10204 is the European standard that defines the types of inspection documents used in the delivery of metallic products. The standard defines who validates the document and with what responsibility, not its technical content. Stating the right document type in a material request directly affects the supply source and lead time.

Document types

• 2.1 — Declaration of compliance: The manufacturer declares that the product complies with the order; no test results.
• 2.2 — Test report: The manufacturer declares non-specific test results (from the same production method).
• 3.1 — Inspection certificate: Contains specific test results of the delivered product, validated by the manufacturer’s authorised inspection representative independent of production. The most frequently requested document in industry.
• 3.2 — Inspection certificate: In addition to 3.1 content, also validated by an inspection body independent of the manufacturer or by the purchaser’s authorised representative. Required in aerospace, pressure equipment and critical projects.

What changes in practice?

A 3.2 certificate requires an independent party to be present during production or testing; it therefore cannot be produced afterwards for material already in stock, must be planned to order and extends the lead time. 3.1 is the manufacturer’s standard document and accompanies most products.

Check when reading the certificate

Heat / batch number matching the marking on the material, chemical analysis and mechanical test values conforming to the ordered standard and delivery condition, correct specification and revision, authority of the validating person.

State in your request

In the certification field of the RFQ form, state whether 3.1 or 3.2 is required and whether a certificate of conformity (CoC), inspection report or customer-specific document is needed in addition. Document requirements are included in the quotation from the start.