When sourcing steel pipes, profiles, or components—especially for export or CE-marked projects—buyers often ask for “EN 10204 3.1 certificate.” But what does that actually mean?
EN 10204 is the European standard that defines types of inspection documents (Mill Test Certificates) for metallic products. It clarifies how products are inspected, who validates the results, and what guarantees are provided.
In this article, we’ll break down what EN 10204 includes, explain the difference between 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2 certificates, and show how YIGE Steel supports global buyers with the right documentation.
What is EN 10204?
EN 10204 is a material certification standard issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It specifies the content, validation process, and issuing party for various types of inspection documents (commonly known as MTCs).
EN 10204 applies to:
- Steel pipes, tubes, bars, plates, profiles
- Products used in structural, mechanical, pressure, or safety-critical applications
- All CE-marked steel exports into the European market
Certificate Types Defined by EN 10204
| Type | Certificate Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Declaration of Compliance | A statement by the manufacturer that the product complies with the order |
| 2.2 | Test Report | Same as 2.1 + includes non-specific test results |
| 3.1 | Inspection Certificate 3.1 | Certified test results based on the actual batch, signed by QA department |
| 3.2 | Inspection Certificate 3.2 | 3.1 + validated by a third party (e.g., BV, SGS, Lloyd’s) |
💡 3.1 and 3.2 are often required for:
- Structural hollow sections (e.g., EN 10210)
- Pressure systems (e.g., EN 10216)
- CE-marked components
- Projects requiring traceable batch-level verification
What’s in an EN 10204 3.1 Certificate?
A 3.1 certificate includes:
- Manufacturer’s name and logo
- Buyer/project information
- Heat number and batch details
- Steel grade and delivery condition
- Chemical composition (C, Mn, Si, Cr, etc.)
- Mechanical properties (Yield, Tensile, Elongation, Impact energy)
- Applicable standards (e.g., EN 10210, GB/T 8162, ASTM A500)
- Signature from independent QA (not production department)
Difference Between 3.1 and 3.2 (Why It Matters)
| Aspect | 3.1 Certificate | 3.2 Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Validated by | Manufacturer’s QA team | Third party (e.g., SGS, BV) + manufacturer QA |
| Traceability | Batch-specific | Batch-specific + independent witness |
| Acceptance | Most projects & CE-marked items | High-risk structures, pressure vessels, offshore |
| Cost/lead time | Lower cost, quicker | More expensive, requires scheduling inspection |
📌 3.2 is often specified in nuclear, marine, or petrochemical applications.
YIGE Steel and EN 10204 Compliance
At YIGE Steel, we understand how critical documentation is for international customers.
We offer:
- EN 10204 3.1 MTCs for all cold drawn seamless and welded steel tubes
- 3.1 certificates issued per heat/batch, fully traceable
- 3.2 certificates available upon request with BV, SGS, or customer-specified agencies
- Support for CE-marked products under EN 10210 and related standards
- Document packages with dimension reports, mechanical tests, and marking records
✅ All steel tubes from YIGE come with:
- Material Test Report (MTC)
- Heat number and production batch
- Dimensional, mechanical, and surface inspection records
Conclusion
EN 10204 is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a legally recognized traceability system in the global steel trade. Knowing whether you need 3.1 or 3.2 can help avoid costly mistakes, delays, or compliance issues.
At YIGE Steel, we ensure our clients receive fully compliant, verified, and certified steel tubes—backed by clear documentation, CE marking, and optional third-party validation.
📩 Have a project that requires EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2? Email stella.yu@yige-steel.com and let’s talk certification.
