Choosing an EN 10204 inspection document
Compare 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 documents and specify the evidence needed for a material delivery.
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Specify the evidence before ordering
A Type 2.2 report gives non-specific test results. A Type 3.1 certificate gives specific results for the supplied products or their test unit. Start with the product specification to determine which evidence the order requires. EN 10204:2004 classifies inspection documents by the results they contain and who validates them. It applies to metallic products and can also apply to non-metallic products. BSI, EN 10204:2004 scope
Example: a drawing requires specific material results
Suppose a plate order specifies an alloy, supplied condition, mechanical tests and a 3.1 certificate. A 2.2 report with favorable tensile results still provides non-specific inspection evidence. A 3.1 certificate meets the stated document type, and its results still need to cover the ordered tests and trace to the delivered material.
Compare the four types
| Document | Test-result basis | Validation distinction | Detailed reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Compliance declaration without test results | Manufacturer's declaration | Type 2.1 |
| 2.2 | Results from non-specific inspection | Manufacturer's test report | Type 2.2 |
| 3.1 | Results from specific inspection | Manufacturer's authorized inspection representative, independent of manufacturing | Type 3.1 |
| 3.2 | Results from specific inspection | Defined joint validation involving the manufacturer's independent representative and the purchaser's representative or an inspector designated by official regulations | Type 3.2 |
Specific inspection covers the material to be delivered or the test units it belongs to. The product specification determines the tests and sampling. For 3.1, independence is from the manufacturer's production department. For 3.2, the second validator must have the required authority. EN 10204:2004, clauses 2–4 and Annex A, public SIST preview
If an older certificate uses 2.3 or 3.1A/B/C, read it against the edition it cites. The 2004 revision removed 2.3 and reorganized the 3.1 categories. National adoption dates can differ. DIN EN 10204:2005-01 is the German adoption of EN 10204:2004. EN 10204:2004 foreword, public SIST preview · DIN Media, German adoption
Preserve identity after cutting and processing
A plate certificate can support a delivery of cut blanks when the blanks remain traceable to the plate. The results still describe the original inspection. The 3.1 worked example explains why a matching total quantity can still hide conflicting heat-level quantities.
Later welding, heat treatment or coating can introduce requirements outside the incoming material certificate. Connect material selection, the relevant manufacturing process and finished-part inspection before defining release evidence.
What to put in the enquiry
Identify the material specification and edition, product form and supplied condition, required tests and conditions, document type, delivery identification and any witnessing arrangements. Agree on these before production. Retrospective verification depends on the evidence still available.
For neighboring documents, compare material test reports, certificates of conformity and calibration certificates. They answer different questions.