Steel products require different levels of inspection documents, commonly referred to as “inspection certificates” or “quality certification documents”, for delivery, acceptance inspection and trade settlement. The differences between these documents mainly lie in: the number of inspection items, involvement of third parties, and inclusion of test data.
I. Commonly Used Domestic Inspection Documents (GB/T 247, GB/T 17505)
Domestic standards classify inspection documents into the following categories:
1. Certificate of Quality
The most common and basic document. Contents include:
- Product name, grade, specification and quantity
- Heat number, batch number
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties
- Delivery condition
- Production standard
- Inspection results
Purpose: Basic document for domestic trade and project acceptance.
2. Inspection Report
More detailed than the Certificate of Quality, usually including:
- Complete test data (tensile, bending, impact, hardness, etc.)
- Test method standards
- Inspection date
- Signature of inspector
Purpose: Key projects, special equipment, and when customers require more detailed data.
3. Third-Party Inspection Report
Issued by independent third-party institutions (such as SGS, BV, TÜV, CCIC). Contents include:
- Sampling process
- Test data
- Qualifications of the third-party testing institution
- Conclusion (qualified / unqualified)
Purpose: Import and export trade, major projects, international bidding.
4. Certificate of Conformance
Only certifies that the product meets standard requirements, without specific test data. Simple contents:
- Product information
- Executed standard
- Conformity statement
Purpose: General-purpose steel products, bulk delivery, and when customers do not require detailed data.
5. Type Test Report
For type inspection of specific products (such as flanges, valves, pipe fittings). Usually issued by authoritative institutions, with a validity period of generally 3 to 5 years. Purpose: Certification of special equipment and pressure pipeline components (such as TS certification).
II. Commonly Used International Inspection Documents (EN 10204, ISO 10474)
The most widely used international classification standard is EN 10204, which is divided into 4 main levels. This is essential knowledge for steel exports.
1. EN 10204 2.1 Certificate
Factory declaration
- No test data
- Only declares that the product complies with standards
Purpose: Ordinary commodities, low-risk applications.
2. EN 10204 2.2 Certificate
Factory inspection certificate + partial test data
- Includes some key test data
- Issued by the manufacturer
Purpose: General engineering, commonly used by European customers.
3. EN 10204 3.1 Certificate
Factory inspection certificate + complete test data
- Includes full data such as chemical composition and mechanical properties
- Signed by the manufacturer’s authorized inspector
- The most commonly used level for exports
Purpose: Steel for mechanical structural parts, pipelines, pressure vessels.
4. EN 10204 3.2 Certificate
Third-party inspection certificate + complete test data
- Witnessed or tested by an independent third party (such as SGS, BV)
- Data confirmed by the third party
- Highest credibility
Purpose: Nuclear power, oil and gas, high-end equipment, strict international bidding.
III. Other Common International Inspection Documents
1. Mill Test Report (MTR)
The most commonly used document in the ASTM system, equivalent to EN 10204 3.1. Includes:
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties
- Heat treatment condition
- Dimensional tolerances
- Test standards
Purpose: Exports to the United States, Canada, the Middle East and other countries.
2. Certificate of Origin
Certifies the country of manufacture of steel products. Types include:
- CO (General Certificate of Origin)
- FORM E (ASEAN)
- FORM F (Chile)
- FORM A (Generalized System of Preferences)
- FTA Certificates (e.g., China-Australia FTA)
Purpose: Tariff reduction and exemption, customs clearance.
3. Lloyd’s Certificate
Issued by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping (UK).Purpose: Marine steel, offshore platforms.
4. API Certificate (API Spec Q1 / 5L)
Exclusive to the oil and gas industry.Purpose: Oil casing, line pipe steel, pipe fittings, etc.
