EN 10204
Metallic products — types of inspection documents (2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2)
Defines the types of inspection documents supplied with metallic products — 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. It sets who certifies the results and whether they come from specific tests on the delivered material.
- Quality & service
Reviewed by the Kanak Steel & Engineering Co. technical team · Updated October 2026
What is EN 10204?
EN 10204 defines the types of inspection document supplied with metallic products. A 3.1 certificate reports specific test results and is validated by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, independent of production. A 3.2 certificate is validated by that representative and by the purchaser's representative or an official third-party inspector. Types 2.1 and 2.2 are declarations without specific testing.
EN 10204 at a glance
| 2.1 | Declaration of compliance — no test results |
|---|---|
| 2.2 | Test report — non-specific results (typical of production) |
| 3.1 | Specific inspection results validated by the manufacturer's independent inspection representative |
| 3.2 | As 3.1, also validated by the purchaser's or an official inspector |
EN 10204 3.1 vs 3.2
| 3.1 | 3.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who validates | Manufacturer's authorised inspection representative | Manufacturer's representative + purchaser's representative or official inspector |
| Third party present? | No | Yes — witnesses tests or verifies records |
| When required | Most process piping and general orders | Critical service, when the client or code requires witness |
| Cost and lead time | Standard | Higher; depends on inspector availability |
How to write EN 10204 on a purchase order
Name the product, size, material specification and grade, the dimensional standard and the certificate. An example line:
Illustrative only — sizes, tests, inspection level and any project values come from your purchase specification.
EN 10204 edition and verification status
Which edition we have confirmed, and what is still being checked before any numerical requirement is published here.
| Current edition | Not yet confirmed against the publisher listing |
|---|---|
| Full-text verification | In progress — numerical requirements are not published on this page |
| Edition on your order | The edition named in your purchase order or design code governs — confirm it with your enquiry |
What to know before ordering to EN 10204
The points that decide whether material to EN 10204 is accepted at inspection.
- 3.1 is issued by the manufacturer's inspection department, independent of production, with actual test results.
- 3.2 is countersigned by an independent inspector or the purchaser's representative.
- Ask for 3.2 at enquiry stage — it adds inspection time and cost.
How EN 10204 fits into an order
A purchase order line is only complete when it names the material standard, the dimensional standard and the inspection document. Miss one and the mill, the inspector and the buyer can each read the order differently.
Standards used with EN 10204
Same family
EN 10204 — questions buyers ask
What is EN 10204?
EN 10204 defines the types of inspection document supplied with metallic products. A 3.1 certificate reports specific test results and is validated by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, independent of production. A 3.2 certificate is validated by that representative and by the purchaser's representative or an official third-party inspector. Types 2.1 and 2.2 are declarations without specific testing.
What is the difference between EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2?
A 3.1 certificate is validated by the manufacturer's independent inspection representative; a 3.2 is also validated by the purchaser's representative or an official inspector who witnesses or verifies the tests.
What should a 3.1 mill test certificate contain?
The product, specification and grade, heat number, dimensions, chemical analysis, mechanical test results, heat treatment and any extra tests ordered, signed by the authorised inspection representative.
Is an MTC the same as a certificate of conformity?
No. A certificate of conformity (like a 2.1 declaration) states compliance without test results; a 3.1 MTC reports the actual results for the heat supplied.
Sources: the ASTM / ASME specifications named on this page and producer datasheets · Last updated October 2026