BS EN 10204 is a European standard that specifies the types of inspection documents for metallic products, particularly concerning the materials supplied for manufacturing or construction. It defines the various types of inspection certificates and documents that can be issued to confirm that the material meets the relevant standards and specifications.
Here’s a breakdown of the main inspection documents defined in BS EN 10204:
1. Type 2.1: Declaration of Conformity
- This is the simplest form of documentation. It is a declaration from the manufacturer stating that the product supplied conforms to the order requirements, based on the manufacturer’s own checks.
- No testing or inspection by a third party is required for this type.
2. Type 2.2: Test Report
- This document provides details of tests carried out by the manufacturer. It includes information about the results of the internal tests conducted, confirming that the product meets the agreed specifications.
- Testing is carried out by the manufacturer, but it is not verified by a third-party inspector.
3. Type 3.1: Inspection Certificate
- This is a more formal and detailed certificate. It includes the results of tests performed on the product (usually by the manufacturer) but requires third-party inspection or verification by an independent body.
- The certificate must indicate the type of tests performed, the results, and whether the product meets the standards.
- The inspection certificate is more stringent and is often required for critical applications or where the material’s quality is essential for safety and compliance.
4. Type 3.2: Inspection Certificate
- This is a further level of certification. It includes details of tests carried out by the manufacturer and verified by a third-party inspector, and it may include additional documents or reports.
- The inspection certificate typically includes the results of tests such as tensile strength, impact resistance, chemical composition, etc., along with confirmation that the product meets specific regulatory or contractual standards.
- Third-party inspection by an independent authority or regulatory body is required for Type 3.2 certification.
Key Points of BS EN 10204:
- Flexibility in Requirements: The standard offers different levels of documentation depending on the application and the importance of quality assurance for the product.
- Compliance and Quality Assurance: The standard ensures that products meet the necessary technical and legal requirements by specifying the level of inspection and documentation required.
- International Standardization: BS EN 10204 harmonizes the documentation of metallic products across various industries, ensuring that manufacturers, suppliers, and customers can rely on a uniform system of certification.
These types of inspection documents ensure that buyers and users of metallic products can be confident in their compliance with specifications, safety standards, and quality expectations.
