In brief
EN 10204 defines the types of inspection documents with which manufacturers of metallic products demonstrate compliance with the order.
Contents
What is EN 10204?
The standard EN 10204 (published in Germany as DIN EN 10204) specifies which inspection documents a manufacturer can provide to the purchaser and who confirms which information. It applies to metallic products, but in practice it is also agreed contractually for other products. It distinguishes in principle between non-specific inspection, carried out on products from the same production, and specific inspection on the product or lot actually delivered.
There are four types. The declaration of compliance with the order 2.1 confirms compliance with the order without test results. The test report 2.2 additionally contains results of non-specific inspection. The inspection certificate 3.1 is based on specific inspection and is confirmed by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, who is independent of the manufacturing department. With the inspection certificate 3.2, a representative of the purchaser or an inspector designated by official regulations additionally confirms the results.
The type of document is not supplied automatically; it must be specified in the purchase order. For spare parts for pressure equipment, valves or load-bearing components, it is often a prerequisite for use.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
The required type of inspection document should be stated explicitly in the spare parts enquiry, for example “inspection certificate 3.1 to EN 10204”. At goods receipt, a check is made that the certificate, material and marking on the part match.
Synonyms and abbreviations: DIN EN 10204 · inspection documents to EN 10204 · material certificate · mill test certificate (MTC) · test report 2.2
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 2.2 and 3.1 to EN 10204?
The test report 2.2 contains test results from ongoing production that were not necessarily obtained on the product supplied. The inspection certificate 3.1 relates to specific inspection of the delivered lot and is confirmed by an authorised inspection representative independent of manufacturing. The 3.1 certificate can therefore be assigned more clearly to the material supplied.
Who issues an inspection certificate 3.2?
A 3.2 certificate is confirmed jointly: by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative and additionally by the purchaser's representative or an inspector named in official regulations. Because an external inspector is involved, the inspection must be planned early and agreed when the order is placed.
Does a declaration of compliance with the order 2.1 contain test results?
No. With the declaration 2.1, the manufacturer merely confirms that the products supplied meet the requirements of the order. It contains no specific measured or test values. If values such as chemical composition or strength are required, at least a test report 2.2 or an inspection certificate must be ordered.
Can an inspection document be requested afterwards?
Only to a limited extent. Specific certificates require inspection of the delivered lot and seamless traceability via the batch or heat number. If this data is not available or no inspection was carried out, the manufacturer often cannot issue the certificate retrospectively. The type of document therefore belongs in the purchase order.