EN 10204 is an EU standard that deals with different types of inspection documents for steel metal products. There are 4 types in EN 102024, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2, and the latter two types are mainly used for steel pipe and plate products, so here we will mainly introduce the main differences between the two types.
What is EN 10204?
When we buy steel products such as seamless steel pipes, pipe fittings, sucker rods or steel plates, the manufacturer should issue MTC to the buyer. MTC is the mill test certificate, which contains all the specifications of the steel pipe product. Including size, dimensions, weight, chemical composition, mechanical strength, heat treatment status, test results, traceability, etc. This information is to ensure the quality of the ordered steel and tell the buyer which situations can be applied in engineering purposes. Therefore, the certificate standard for generating MTC, EN 10204 is the European standard for inspection documents for steel products, including steel pipe lines, fittings, steel plates, valves, sucker rods, etc. In order to prove that the results of a specific test meet the customer's order.
Differences between EN 10204-3.1 and 3.2
EN 10204 contains 4 types of document types, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. Type 2.1 and 2.2 are verified by the manufacturer. Type 3.1 and 3.2 are not only verified by the manufacturer.
Type 2.1, the content is a statement of conformity to the order. Verified by the manufacturer.
Type 2.2, a statement of conformity to the order, and an indication of non-specific inspection results. Verified by the manufacturer.
Type 3.1, a statement of conformity to the order, and an indication of specific inspection results. By an inspection representative authorized by the manufacturer, but independent of the manufacturing department.
Type 3.2, a statement of conformity to the order, and an indication of specific inspection results. An inspection representative authorized by the manufacturer, independent of the manufacturing department and the buyer's authorized inspection representative or an inspector specified by the official regulations.
EN 10204-3.1 type quality certificate.
It requires the manufacturer to show the actual test results of the steel pipes sold. According to the sampling method of the relevant standards.
3.1 The testing agency is required to be an independent party, and the factory has no right to modify the test results.
If the steel pipe manufacturer has passed the ISO 9001 audit of the EU certification body, the manufacturer is eligible to issue EN 10204-3.1 MTC. The buyer information should be specified on the MTC quality certificate, and one buyer needs an MTC quality certificate. If the manufacturer has not passed ISO 9001 or the ISO 9001 certificate is not an EU inspection body, the manufacturer has no right to release the MTC of EN 10204-3.1. In this case, the manufacturer should apply for an EN 10204-3.2 quality certificate from a third party of the inspection body.
EN 10204-3.2 type quality certificate.
EN 10204 3.2 certificate is the most stringent standard level for steel pipe products. It indicates that the certification should be additionally countersigned and verified by all relevant tests attached, and the cost of the 3.2 certificate is higher than 3.1. It is not only the manufacturer testing department, but also a completely independent part. Third-party inspectors, or individuals, buyers or government representatives also have the right to verify the test results.
The EN 10204-3.2 certificate must be issued by an inspection agency authorized by the EU CE certification. Through relevant inspections or tests on the ordered materials, it is proved that the test results are the same as the purchase order. The name of the manufacturer and the buyer should also be indicated on the EN 10204-3.2 quality certificate.
