cert

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Certs

Background In Germany, inspection documents (certificate types) were originally specified in standard DIN 50049. These definitions of material testing and certificate types were adopted for European standard EN 10204, first published in 1991 when certificate types 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1A, 3.1B, 3.1C and 3.2 were defined, which closely followed the definitions in the German standard. EN 10204 was revised in 2004 and published as BS EN 10204 in October 2004 with a simplified range of inspection documents (certificate types). These now only include types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. −− Type 2.3 has been deleted −− Type 3.1 replaces 3.1B −− Type 3.2 replaces 3.1A, 3.1C and 3.2 of the previous edition This reduced range of options was designed to make the standard easier to understand and work with. What is a true type 3.2 certification? Inspection certificate 3.2 “type 3.2” is defined within EN 10204:2004 as a “Document prepared by both the manufacturer’s authorized inspection representative, independent of the manufacturing department and either the purchaser’s authorized representative or the inspector designated by the official regulations and in which they declare that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which test results are supplied”. Industry recognises an independent third party inspection as fulfilling the role of “purchaser’s authorised representative or the inspector designated by the official regulations”. EN 10204:2004 defines the manufacturer as an “organization that manufactures the respective products according to the requirements of the order and to the properties specified in the referenced product specification”. Examples of a manufacturer are steelmaker, foundry, smelter, forge, pipe/plate mill etc. Therefore, true type 3.2 certification is produced by the manufacturer, with test results supplied. The independent third party inspector will have witnessed test results and verified the material’s identification and traceability

A 3.1 Inspection Certificate is endorsed only by the manufacturers own representative who has to be independent from the manufacturing process (Test House Manager)

A 3.2 Inspection Certificate has additionally been countersigned by an independent inspection authority (e.g. TUV or Lloyds) who has confirmed that the testing and inspection process demanded by the specification have been adhered to correctly.

Therefore, true type 3.2 certification is produced by the manufacturer, with test results supplied. The independent third party inspector will have witnessed test results and verified the material's identification and trace-ability.