Identity and traceability
Compare order, grade, product marking, heat or batch number and document reference. Confirm that quantities and product form match the shipment.
TECHNICAL GUIDE / 01
Steel Quality Inspection
What should a buyer check before accepting steel? Start with the purchase specification, then verify identity, measured results and shipment evidence against it.
Begin with the order specification
A certificate cannot fill gaps in an unclear order. State the product standard, grade, form, dimensions and tolerances, delivery condition, required test results, inspection document type and any witness or hold point before production or shipment.
Five links in a traceable inspection
- 01Order requirement
- 02Product marking
- 03Heat / batch number
- 04Inspection document
- 05Acceptance decision
The identifiers on the product and document must refer to the same material. If a link is missing, request clarification before treating the document as proof for that shipment.
What to inspect, and what evidence to request
Dimensions and surface
Measure the dimensions and tolerances named in the order. Inspect visible damage, rust, edge condition and surface finish using agreed sampling and acceptance criteria.
Test results
Check the chemical and mechanical results required by the specified product standard and order. Extra tests such as PMI or ultrasonic testing need an agreed scope.
Pre-shipment condition
Confirm piece count, labels, packaging condition and the requested photos or inspection records before release.
EN 10204 documents: 3.1 and 3.2
The document type describes who validates specific inspection results; it does not replace the product standard or an agreed inspection plan.
Type 3.1
The manufacturer issues a document with specific inspection results, validated by its authorized representative independent of the manufacturing department.
Type 3.2
Specific inspection results are validated by the manufacturer's authorized representative and an independent inspector designated by the purchaser or official regulations.
A separate third-party pre-shipment inspection is not automatically the same as an EN 10204 type 3.2 document. Agree the document type, inspector and witness scope in the contract.
Copy this inspection checklist into your RFQ
- Product standard, grade and delivery condition
- Form, size, tolerance, quantity and heat/batch traceability
- EN 10204 document type and required test items
- Sampling, third-party inspector and witness/hold points if needed
- Pre-shipment photos, labels and acceptance records
Common buyer questions
Does an MTC replace on-site inspection?
No. A material test certificate reports specified results; dimensional, visual, quantity and packing checks are separate requirements unless the agreed scope includes them.
When should I ask for type 3.2?
When an independent inspector must validate the specific inspection results under your contract or applicable requirements. Name that party and agree access and timing early.
What if the heat number on the steel and document differs?
Pause acceptance and request a corrected traceability explanation or matching documents. Do not infer equivalence from grade alone.
Reference sources
These sources explain document types and general delivery rules. The signed order and applicable product standard define the actual acceptance requirements.