04 March 2026

EN 10204 Quality Certificate: What It Is, What Types Exist and Why You Should Always Request It for Any Order of Metallurgical Products

If you work in the metallurgical industry, industrial construction, or pressure installations, you have certainly come across the term EN 10204. It is a European standard that defines the types of inspection documents that accompany metallic products - from pipes and fittings, to flanges and other steel components.

But what does EN 10204 3.1 actually mean? What about 3.2? What is the difference between them? And, most importantly, why does the type of certificate you receive matter so much?

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the EN 10204 quality certificate - clearly, without unnecessary jargon, and with practical examples.

What Is the EN 10204 Standard?

EN 10204 is a European standard (also adopted in Romania as SR EN 10204) that establishes the types of inspection documents that can accompany delivered metallic products.

This standard does not describe the technical properties of the products - it does not state how strong a pipe must be or what pressure a flange must withstand. It defines how and by whom it is certified that the product meets the ordered requirements.

In practical terms, EN 10204 answers the question: who guarantees the quality of this product, and on what basis?

Why Is It Important for B2B Procurement?

In B2B commercial relationships within the metallurgical industry, the quality certificate is not a formality - it is an essential condition. Here is why:

Full traceability: you know exactly which production batch the material comes from, its chemical composition, and what mechanical properties it demonstrated
Contractual compliance: most technical specifications and design standards require specific types of certificates
Acceptance at goods receipt: without the correct certificate, products may be rejected on site or during a quality audit
Legal accountability: in the event of an incident, the certificate proves that the supplier delivered in accordance with the order
Insurance requirements: insurers for large industrial projects often require EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates

EN 10204 Document Types - Full Explanation

The EN 10204 standard defines four main types of documents, labeled 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2. In current commercial practice, the most widely used are 3.1 and 3.2, but it is important to understand all of them.

Document 2.1 - Declaration of Conformity

The simplest type of document. The manufacturer declares, on their own responsibility, that the delivered product meets the requirements of the order. There is no independent verification and no concrete test data.

When it is used: for general-use products with no special technical requirements. Rarely accepted in serious industrial projects.

Document 2.2 - Test Report

The manufacturer provides test results based on non-specific inspections - meaning tests carried out on similar products or on the same production batch, but not necessarily on the specific products delivered to you.

When it is used: for applications with moderate requirements. More informative than 2.1, but still without independent validation.

Document 3.1 - Inspection Certificate (Most Widely Used)

This is the de facto standard in the trade of industrial metallic products. Document 3.1 is issued by the manufacturer's quality control representative - a person or department independent from the production department.

What a 3.1 certificate contains:

Complete details of the manufacturer and the product
Order number and production batch number
Chemical composition of the material (ladle or product analysis)
Results of mechanical tests: tensile strength, yield strength, elongation at break
Results of impact tests (Charpy) if requested
Actual weight and dimensions of the batch
Execution standard and material grade
Signature and stamp of the manufacturer's QC representative

Why 3.1 is preferred: the data refers to the specific batch delivered to you, not to a generic product. You have full traceability from your order back to the heat and production process.

Document 3.2 - Inspection Certificate with Independent Validation

Document 3.2 represents the most rigorous level of certification. Unlike 3.1, it is signed both by the manufacturer's QC representative AND by an independent inspector - which may be:

A notified or accredited body (e.g., TUV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, DNV)
The client's designated representative (for example, the end-user's technical inspector)
A competent authority designated by applicable regulations

When 3.2 is required: in high-risk projects or those subject to strict regulatory requirements - pressure equipment (PED/ISCIR), offshore systems, oil and petrochemical industries, nuclear power plants, extreme temperature applications.

Important: a 3.2 certificate involves higher costs and longer lead times, as the presence of an independent inspector at the manufacturer's facility must be coordinated. Plan this requirement well in advance.

Comparison Table - EN 10204 Types at a Glance

Document Type	Who Signs	Batch-Specific Data	Confidence Level	Typical Use
2.1	Manufacturer/Supplier (declaration)	No	Minimal	General products
2.2	Manufacturer (test report)	Partial	Moderate	Moderate applications
3.1	Independent QC of manufacturer	Yes - specific batch	High	Standard industrial B2B
3.2	Manufacturer QC + external inspector	Yes - specific batch	Maximum	Pressure, offshore, nuclear

Common Mistakes in Managing EN 10204 Certificates

In practice, a number of recurring errors appear in orders for metallic products:

1. Failing to specify the certificate type in the order

The most common mistake. If the type of EN 10204 document required is not specified in the enquiry or purchase order, the supplier may deliver any type - including the simplest (2.1). Always state clearly in your enquiry and order: "Quality certificate in accordance with EN 10204 type 3.1" or "type 3.2".

2. Confusing the manufacturer's certificate with the CE Declaration of Performance

The EN 10204 certificate is a material inspection document - it must not be confused with the Declaration of Performance (for construction products) or with CE marking. These are different documents with different purposes, and they can coexist.

3. Not verifying the certificate data before accepting the goods

The certificate must be checked at goods receipt: the order number, material grade, dimensions, execution standard, and batch number must all correspond to the purchase order and to the physical markings on the product.

4. Poor document archiving

EN 10204 certificates must be retained for the entire service life of the installation or structure. In the event of an accident, audit, or dispute, these documents are essential for proving compliance.

What Type of Certificate Should You Request for Your Products?

The general rule is straightforward:

For standard industrial projects (process installations, distribution networks, steel structures): EN 10204 type 3.1 certificate
For regulated pressure equipment (ISCIR, PED), oil and gas, offshore, or any special contractual requirement: EN 10204 type 3.2 certificate
Always consult the project's technical specification and/or applicable regulatory requirements before placing your order

If you are unsure which type of certificate applies to your project, the best advice is to consult the responsible design engineer or technical specialist.

Conclusion

The EN 10204 quality certificate is not a mere bureaucratic formality - it is the assurance that the material you are installing meets exactly what you ordered and what your project requires.

Understand the difference between types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2, always specify the required type in your order, and verify the documents upon receipt. These simple steps can make the difference between a smooth collaboration and a costly dispute.

Catalog

Download

Titan Steel Trading Catalog

Explore our selection of steel products.

+40 750 407 568 / +40 773 997 780

office@titansteelco.ro

sales@titansteelco.ro

Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei, No. 202B, 060023, Romania

Join our Newsletter

VAT ID: RO48970720, Trade. Reg. J2023019661408