En 10204.pdf

Technical Write-Up: EN 10204 – Inspection Documents for Metallic Products 1. Overview EN 10204 is a European standard that specifies the types of inspection documents suppliers must provide to purchasers for metallic products (e.g., plates, bars, tubes, forgings, castings). It defines who issues the document, what compliance is declared, and when third-party verification is required.

Key principle: The standard does not specify acceptance criteria or test methods; it only defines the content and type of the inspection document.

2. Main Document Types EN 10204 defines four common types, from basic to full third-party inspection: | Type | Name | Issued by | Content / Declaration | |------|------|-----------|------------------------| | 2.1 | Declaration of compliance with order | Manufacturer | No test results. Simply confirms product meets order requirements. | | 2.2 | Test report | Manufacturer | Reports non‑specific test results based on manufacturer’s internal tests (e.g., mill certificates). No customer witnessing. | | 3.1 | Inspection certificate | Manufacturer | Based on specific testing on the delivered product or its representative samples. Tests defined in product specification or order. Independent signatory required from manufacturer (not production staff). | | 3.2 | Inspection certificate | Independent third party | Manufacturer tests product, but an independent inspection body (e.g., notified body, customer representative) verifies and signs alongside manufacturer’s authorized representative. |

Note: Types 3.1 and 3.2 are the most common in safety‑critical or regulated industries (pressure equipment, offshore, nuclear, construction). en 10204.pdf

3. Key Differences Between 3.1 and 3.2 | Aspect | EN 10204 Type 3.1 | EN 10204 Type 3.2 | |--------|--------------------|--------------------| | Issuer | Manufacturer | Manufacturer + independent third party | | Test witnessing | Not required | Required (by third party) | | Verification of results | Manufacturer’s own quality department | Independent inspection body (or customer) | | Typical use | General engineering, automotive, structural | Pressure vessels, boilers, safety‑critical components | | Cost | Lower | Higher (third‑party involvement) |

4. Practical Applications

Type 2.1 → Non‑critical structural steel, simple bars, basic raw material without traceability demands. Type 2.2 → General fabrication where some test data is useful but not traceable to a specific heat/lot. Type 3.1 → Most common for certified materials in PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) or DIN EN standards . Requires mill to be ISO 9001 certified (or equivalent). Type 3.2 → Required by PED categories III/IV , nuclear components, or when customer contract explicitly demands independent sign‑off. Technical Write-Up: EN 10204 – Inspection Documents for

5. Important Notes for Buyers & Suppliers

EN 10204 is not a material specification – It does not replace standards like EN 10025 (structural steel) or EN 10216 (pressure pipes). Always refer to both the material standard and EN 10204 for the inspection document type. Traceability – For 3.1/3.2, test results must be traceable to the product (e.g., heat number, lot number). Electronic certificates – All types may be issued in electronic form, but 3.2 often requires original signatures or digital authentication. No pass/fail – The document reports values; the purchaser decides compliance against the order.

6. Example Certificate Statement (Type 3.1) Key principle: The standard does not specify acceptance

“Hereby we certify that the above‑identified products have been tested in accordance with the applicable product specification and order requirements. The test results presented in this certificate are specific to the product lot and were performed by our qualified personnel, independently verified by an authorized inspection representative of the manufacturer, not directly involved in production.”

7. Summary Table for Quick Reference | If you need… | Choose EN 10204 type | |--------------|----------------------| | Simple proof of order compliance | 2.1 | | Internal test data without lot‑specific traceability | 2.2 | | Lot‑specific test results, manufacturer‑signed | 3.1 | | Independent third‑party verification | 3.2 |