Manufacturers of steel products need to provide assurance that their products meet the specified properties. This can be in the form of either a ‘Test Report’, a Type 3.1 or a Type 3.2 ‘Inspection Certificate’ in accordance with BS EN 10204.

Test Reports are issued by the Manufacturer. A 3.1 Inspection Certificate is endorsed only by the manufacturers whilst a 3.2 Inspection Certificate has additionally been countersigned by an independent inspection authority who has confirmed that the testing and inspection process demanded by the specification have been adhered to correctly. 

The Process

Industry recognises an independent third party inspection as fulfilling the role of “purchaser’s authorised representative or the inspector designated by the official regulations”. 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. The BIE Group offers an independent third party inspection role to manufacturers for type 3.2 certification.