EN 10204:2004 TYPE 3.2 CERTIFICATION SERVICES

EN 10204:2004 is a European standard for material certificates. Originally based on a German standard, today there are four types of certificates under EN 10204.

Type 3.2 certificates provide independent assurance of a material's properties. It declares the products or material supplied by a manufacturer meet the requirements of the buyer's order.

While type 3.2 material certificates have traditionally been required in the pressure equipment manufacturing sector in Europe, other geographies and industries are recognising the value of type 3.2 certification. Many oil and gas equipment end users, for example, are now requiring type 3.2 certification of material so they can be sure of the material's integrity.

Type 3.2 certification helps give companies a new level of confidence as they cope with complex global supply chains.  

If buyers purchase material from stockists or material suppliers, only type 3.1 certification may be available. If this is the case, true type 3.2 certification is not possible.

LRQA has a solution for these situations that helps address the main concern, which is independent assurance of the material. We can provide "intent-of" type 3.2 certification. This will involve a visit to the material handler for material examination, as well as a visit to the test house to witness all additional testing of the material. Every situation is different.

It is also important to make sure the purchaser will accept this "intent-of" type 3.2 certification.

As the manufacturer's independent third-party, we endorse the certificate. This means an LRQA surveyor is able to verify the material's identification and traceability through objective evidence, such as witnessing test results.

LRQA has a three-stage inspection process to prepare for a type 3.2 certificate endorsement:

1. Check material's identity and stamp piece/area to be used for mechanical testing.
2. Witness/review mechanical and metallurgical testing.
3. Review all client's documentation against "product specification," then endorse paperwork and inspect/stamp material for release.

It's important to note that companies are different, and many scenarios can come up. Additional inspection or witnessing can be done as required by customer requirements. LRQA has the experience and flexibility to work with clients to make sure traceability is the end result.