EN 10204:2004 defines four types of inspection document for metallic products: 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. A 3.1 certificate gives test results for the delivered products and is validated by the manufacturer's inspection representative, who is independent of production; a 3.2 certificate is prepared by that representative together with either the purchaser's representative or an inspector designated by official regulations.
What does EN 10204 cover?
EN 10204 applies to the delivery of all metallic products, such as plates, sheets, bars, forgings and castings, whatever their production method. It may also be applied to non-metallic products. It is used together with the product specification that sets the technical delivery conditions. The standard names the document types; which values a document lists is left to product standards, for steel EN 10168.
The current edition is EN 10204:2004, which supersedes EN 10204:1991. The 2004 edition deleted type 2.3, let type 3.1 replace the former 3.1.B, and let type 3.2 replace the former 3.1.A, 3.1.C and the inspection report 3.2. An older drawing that asks for "3.1.B" therefore corresponds to today's 3.1, and "3.1.C" to today's 3.2. DIN 50049, the earlier German standard for the same subject, is withdrawn.
What is the difference between non-specific and specific inspection?
The standard splits the four types by the kind of inspection behind them.
Non-specific inspection is carried out by the manufacturer under its own procedures, to check whether products made to the same product specification and by the same manufacturing process meet the order. The standard adds that the products inspected are not necessarily the products actually supplied.
Specific inspection is carried out before delivery, according to the product specification, on the products to be supplied or on test units of which they are part. Types 2.1 and 2.2 are based on non-specific inspection. Types 3.1 and 3.2 are based on specific inspection.
How do types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 compare?
Read the table from left to right: first whether test results appear at all, then whether they come from the delivered products, then who stands behind the document.
Table 1. Inspection document types in EN 10204:2004
| Type | Name in the standard | Test results | Basis | Validated by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Declaration of compliance with the order | none | declaration only | manufacturer |
| 2.2 | Test report | yes | non-specific inspection | manufacturer |
| 3.1 | Inspection certificate 3.1 | yes | specific inspection | manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, independent of the manufacturing department |
| 3.2 | Inspection certificate 3.2 | yes | specific inspection | that representative and either the purchaser's authorised inspection representative or the inspector designated by official regulations |
Source: EN 10204:2004, clauses 3 and 4 (the standard's own text is paywalled; wording checked against the UNI preview and a stockist's reproduction of clauses 4.1 and 4.2).
German-language orders use Werksbescheinigung for 2.1, Werkszeugnis for 2.2 and Abnahmeprüfzeugnis for 3.1 and 3.2.
What is the difference between a 3.1 and a 3.2 certificate?
Both carry results from specific inspection of the delivered products. They differ in who validates. A 3.1 certificate stays inside the manufacturer's organisation, validated by a representative who is independent of the manufacturing department. A 3.2 certificate adds a party outside it, chosen by the purchaser or designated by official regulations.
The inspection body LRQA describes the usual 3.2 procedure: an independent surveyor identifies the material at the manufacturer's site, witnesses the tests and countersigns the certificate. Because specific inspection takes place before delivery, a 3.1 or 3.2 should be requested with the order, not after delivery.
Some inspection bodies also endorse stockist material "to the intent of" type 3.2, starting from the mill's 3.1 certificate. EN 10204 does not define that wording. LRQA states that such material must not be presented as certified to true type 3.2 and that the purchaser should confirm it is acceptable before work starts. If your specification says 3.2, say whether "intent of" is allowed.
Which certificate does EU pressure equipment law expect?
EN 10204 does not say when a type is required. The order, the product specification or a regulation does. A concrete EU example is the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, Annex I section 4.3, which requires the equipment manufacturer to obtain documentation from the material manufacturer affirming compliance with the specification. The Commission's Working Group "Pressure" maps this to document types in guideline G-05.
Table 2. EN 10204:2004 document types under PED guideline G-05
| Part of the pressure equipment | Route | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Main pressure-bearing parts, categories II, III and IV | quality system route | 3.1 |
| Main pressure-bearing parts, categories II, III and IV | direct inspection route | 3.2 |
| Main pressure-bearing parts of category I; pressure parts other than main ones, categories I to IV; attachments to category II, III and IV equipment | none | 2.2 |
| Other parts | none | 2.1 |
Source: European Commission, PED Guidelines v6.0, guideline G-05 (accepted by the Working Group Pressure on 2016-01-08), diagram. As of 2026-10-30.
Three conditions from the guidelines matter for sourcing:
- The 3.1 route applies where the material manufacturer has a quality system certified by a competent body established within the Community, with a specific assessment for materials. Guideline G-02 adds that a body not established within the Community does not comply, even with an International Accreditation Forum recognition agreement.
- An inspection document of a higher level is always acceptable, so a 3.2 may replace a 3.1.
- Material from stockists must come with the inspection documents of the material manufacturer.
The guidelines are not legally binding; the text of the Directive is. Check the current version of the guidelines for your product.
What should a purchase order say about certificates?
A material certificate documents the material against the order. It does not document the finished part. Chemical composition and mechanical properties on a mill certificate say nothing about whether a bore is within tolerance, which is the job of a dimensional inspection report (see inspection reports, CMM and Cpk). The list of other documents that travel with machined parts is in quality documents for machined parts.
Traceability is part of the same request. PED guideline G-04 says the suitable means range from physical marking of individual items by stamping or colour coding to procedural methods, depending on the risk of mixing material grades. For stainless steel parts, state in the order how the heat number is carried through machining. For a 3.2, also name the inspecting party and agree the date before production, because the inspector has to be present before delivery.
Is EN 10204:2004 still current?
Yes, as of 2026-10-30. CEN lists EN 10204:2004 at stage 90.93, standard confirmed, on 2019-11-07, and DIN Media lists DIN EN 10204:2005-01 as current. EN 10168:2004, the steel standard for the list of information, has the same status.
A revision is registered. CEN/TC 459/SC 12 carries prEN 10204 rev at stage 10.99, "New project approved", dated 2026-06-01, and DIN lists the matching work item with a begin date of 2026-06-09. The cited records list no published draft text. Until an edition is published, write "EN 10204:2004" with the year, so that an order or a drawing keeps pointing to the same definitions after a new edition appears.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2?
- Both contain test results from specific inspection of the delivered products. A 3.1 certificate is validated by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, who is independent of the manufacturing department. A 3.2 certificate is prepared by that representative and by a second party, either the purchaser's authorised inspection representative or an inspector designated by official regulations.
- Is a 3.1 certificate enough for pressure equipment?
- For main pressure-bearing parts of category II, III and IV equipment, the Commission's PED guideline G-05 accepts a 3.1 certificate only when the material manufacturer has a quality system certified by a competent body established in the Community, with a specific assessment for materials. Otherwise a 3.2 certificate from direct inspection is the route.
- Does a 3.1 certificate show that a machined part meets its drawing?
- No. A material certificate documents the material against the order and the product specification, usually chemical composition and mechanical properties. Dimensions of the finished part are reported in a separate inspection report.
- What happened to types 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C?
- EN 10204:2004 removed them. Type 3.1 replaces the former 3.1.B, and type 3.2 replaces the former 3.1.A, 3.1.C and the former inspection report 3.2. Type 2.3 was deleted.
- Is EN 10204 being revised?
- Yes. CEN lists a revision, prEN 10204 rev, at stage 10.99 (new project approved) dated 2026-06-01, and DIN lists the matching work item from 2026-06-09. EN 10204:2004 remains the valid edition, so name it with its year on orders.
Sources
- UNI EN 10204:2005 preview, Italian adoption of EN 10204:2004: foreword, scope, definitions, types 2.1 and 2.2 (UNI)
- EN 10204:2004, Metallic products, Types of inspection documents (Standards Ireland catalogue)
- Types 3.1 and 3.2 as worded in EN 10204:2004 (Van Leeuwen, steel tube stockist)
- DIN EN 10204:2005-01, current (DIN Media)
- EN 10204:2004 life cycle, stage 90.93 confirmed 2019-11-07 (Genorma)
- prEN 10204 rev, stage 10.99 new project approved, 2026-06-01 (Genorma)
- DIN project for the revision of DIN EN 10204, work item EC112037, begin 2026-06-09 (DIN)
- EN 10168:2004, Steel products, Inspection documents, List of information and description, stage 90.93 (Genorma)
- Guidelines related to the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, v6.0, guidelines G-02, G-04, G-05 (European Commission, Working Group Pressure)
- Understanding EN 10204:2004 Type 3.2 Certification, including certification to the intent of 3.2 (LRQA, inspection body)
- DIN 50049:1992-04, withdrawn, replaced by DIN EN 10204 (DIN Media)
- DIN EN 10204, German names of the four document types (German Wikipedia)
Questions on a drawing? sales@ertas.engineering