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What is EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification?

EN 10204 is a European standard that defines the various types of inspection documents required to validate compliance of metallic products with a product specification. Type 3.2 is the most rigorous level of certification and involves independent third-party inspection and witnessing activities, which can be provided by LRQA. This certification ensures that the product meets the specified requirements of the order, including material traceability, and that properties have been determined through appropriate testing.

Type 3.2 certification involves third-party independent verification of:

  • Material traceability

  • Manufacturing processes

  • Testing outcomes

  • Compliance with order specifications

This high level of scrutiny is often mandatory in regulated sectors such as:

  • Oil and gas

  • Chemical and process industries

  • Nuclear

  • Aerospace

 

Benefits of EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification

  1. Enhanced Supply Chain Traceability

Third-party validation ensures the entire journey of a component — from casting to delivery — is independently verified. This provides greater control, accountability, and transparency throughout the production lifecycle.

  1. Regulatory and Customer Compliance

Integrating Type 3.2 certification within an assurance programme enables companies to meet mandatory compliance obligations, helping avoid legal risks and costly penalties.

  1. Proactive Risk Management

Early identification of non-conformities prevents supply chain disruptions. Type 3.2 certification helps detect issues before they escalate, protecting operational efficiency and brand reputation.

  1. Market Access and Expansion

In many jurisdictions, certified materials are a prerequisite for market entry. Type 3.2 certification facilitates trust, regulatory acceptance, and customer confidence — enabling entry into regulated markets worldwide.

 

What is material certification to the “intent of” EN 10204 Type 3.2?

In some cases, materials or products may only have Type 3.1 certification, without validation by an independent inspection body; this is often the case where material is purchased from a stockist rather than directly from the material manufacturer.

For these instances, achieving true Type 3.2 certification may not be possible. However, an “intent of” EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification can be supplied by LRQA. This certification includes an examination of the material and on-site witnessing of additional testing, offering a level of assurance similar to that of a Type 3.2 certificate. LRQA’s approach to “intent of” EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification is flexible and customised to suit each client’s unique requirements and circumstances.

 

LRQA’s EN 10204 Type 3.2 Certification Process

LRQA’s process is typically delivered through a three-stage inspection, which can also be conducted remotely to maximise flexibility and efficiency:

  1. Document review - Inspection of test results, material certificates, and traceability documents
  2. Witness testing - Independent oversight of material testing activities
  3. Certification issuance - Delivery of EN 10204 Type 3.2 certificate upon satisfactory completion

This approach applies to both direct certifications and “intent of” certifications based on available traceability and additional validation steps.

For more details on how LRQA delivers full Type 3.2 certification and “intent of” services for your materials and components,
Explore our EN 10204:2004 Type 3.2 Certification Services

 

How LRQA Supports Compliance and Assurance?

LRQA’s broader certification and compliance services ensure that companies meet local, regional, and international standards. These services include:

  • Compliance with EU Directives and national legislation
  • Certification to global industry standards
  • Ongoing quality and integrity assurance across the supply chain

With global reach and local insight, LRQA offers services in over 120 countries - helping clients maintain performance, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder confidence.

 

Looking to share or archive this information? Download the full datasheet for reference.

Download the EN 10204 Type 3.2 Certification Factsheet

 

To deepen your understanding of how this standard supports material traceability and supply chain trust,

Download the guide: Understanding EN 10204: Type 3.2 Certification