# Material certificates: 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 explained Quelle: > Test report 2.2 or inspection certificate 3.1? The differences under EN 10204 at a glance: who tests, what it contains, when you need 3.2. Materials Which document do you need for your delivery? Clarify this before you order, so that the material and the certificate match. **Order material with inspection certificate 3.1** Where the certificate is available, you select it directly in the basket (€15 net per order). For all other materials, note your certificate request when ordering and we will agree it with you. [Sheet metal cut to size →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/sheet-metal-cutting) · [Semi-finished products cut to size →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/semi-finished) · [Request a certificate →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/contact) MVG editorial team · Values from our production and the material standards Published on 11 September 2026 · updated on 5 November 2026 · 4 min read ## EN 10204 at a glance The standard EN 10204 defines which inspection documents a manufacturer of metallic products can issue. Its title is “Metallic products – Types of inspection documents”. In Germany it applies as DIN EN 10204:2005-01. It distinguishes two groups: type 2 documents are based on non-specific inspection, type 3 documents on specific inspection of the goods delivered. - 2.1 Declaration of compliance with the order: confirms compliance, without test results - 2.2 Test report: with results of non-specific inspection - 3.1 Inspection certificate: results of specific inspection, confirmed by the manufacturer’s independent inspection representative - 3.2 Inspection certificate: as 3.1, additionally confirmed by the purchaser’s inspection representative or a designated body ## 2.1: confirmation without test results With a declaration of compliance 2.1, the manufacturer confirms that the product complies with the order. It contains no test results. ## 2.2: results of non-specific inspection A test report 2.2 additionally contains results of a non-specific inspection by the manufacturer. It does not certify an independent third-party inspection and does not replace a required batch-related certificate. ## 3.1 and 3.2: specific inspection An inspection certificate 3.1 contains results of specific inspection and is confirmed by the manufacturer’s inspection representative, who is independent of the manufacturing department. For 3.2, confirmation by the purchaser’s inspection representative or by an inspection representative designated in the regulations is added. ## Terms and abbreviations In everyday use, the documents go by many names. What always counts is the type number under EN 10204. - 2.1 declaration of compliance with the order - 2.2 test report (German: Werkszeugnis) - 3.1 inspection certificate, also called 3.1 certificate, formerly 3.1.B - 3.2 inspection certificate with confirmation by the purchaser or a designated body - Material certificate: a general term without a type, please always state the type number ## What a 3.1 certificate contains An inspection certificate 3.1 assigns the test results clearly to the material delivered. Which tests are included is set by the product standard or by your order. - Material, standard and delivery condition - Dimensions and quantity - Heat or batch number - Chemical composition - Mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength and elongation at break ## Agree on the certificate in advance With your enquiry, state the material, item, quantity and the type of certificate required. Availability and assignment to the delivered batch must be clarified before ordering. A general material data sheet describes typical properties and does not replace a delivery-related certificate. ## At a glance - Required type of certificate clarified - Requirement stated before ordering - Assignment to item and delivery agreed [Request a certificate with the delivery →](mailto:info@mvg-frankfurt.de?subject=Anfrage%20Werkstoffzeugnis) ## Matching products [configurator **Sheet metal cut to size** Aluminium, stainless steel, steel, copper and brass with instant price. *Configure cut-to-size →*](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/sheet-metal-cutting) · [Semi-finished product **Semi-finished products cut to size** Tubes, profiles and bars sawn to length. *View semi-finished products →*](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/semi-finished) · [Advice **Request a certificate** We are happy to tell you which certificate suits your material. *Get in touch →*](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/contact) ## Frequently asked questions **What is a 3.1 mill certificate?** This means the inspection certificate 3.1 to EN 10204. The standard only uses “test report” for type 2.2. The 3.1 contains test results on the goods delivered and is confirmed by the manufacturer’s inspection representative, who is independent of production. Common short forms are 3.1 certificate or inspection certificate 3.1. **What is the difference between 3.1 and 3.2?** Both contain results of specific inspection. The 3.1 is confirmed by the manufacturer’s inspection representative. For the 3.2, the purchaser’s inspection representative or a body designated in the regulations confirms it as well. You therefore agree a 3.2 before production. **What does 3.1.B mean?** This was the name of the inspection certificate in the older edition EN 10204:1991. Since the 2004 edition it is called 3.1. The former types 3.1.A, 3.1.C and 3.2 have been merged into today’s 3.2. **Is a material certificate the same as a test report?** “Material certificate” is an everyday general term for inspection documents to EN 10204. Only the type number 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 or 3.2 shows which document is meant. So always state the type when you order. **What is the difference between test report 2.2 and inspection certificate 3.1?** The test report 2.2 states results of non-specific inspection: the manufacturer tests products of the same kind, not necessarily the batch delivered. The inspection certificate 3.1 states results of specific inspection on the delivered test unit and is confirmed by an inspection representative who is independent of production. **What does an inspection certificate 3.1 contain?** Typically the material and standard, dimensions, heat or batch number, chemical composition and mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength and elongation at break. Exactly which tests are included is set by the product standard or by your order. **Who issues certificates to EN 10204?** The manufacturer of the product. A stockholder passes on the manufacturer’s certificate and makes sure that it clearly belongs to the material delivered. **Is EN 10204 the same as DIN 10204?** Both refer to the same standard. In Germany it applies as DIN EN 10204:2005-01, the 2004 edition of the European standard. In everyday use it is often simply called EN 10204 or DIN 10204. **How do I order material with a 3.1 certificate from MVG?** Where the certificate is available, you select it directly in the basket, for €15 net per order. For all other materials, note your request when ordering and we will agree it with you in advance. ## Sources & further information - [BSSA: inspection documents to EN 10204 ↗](https://bssa.org.uk/bssa_articles/bsen-10204-test-certificates-for-stainless-steel-products/) ## Questions about your part? Our sales team advises you on material, manufacturing and delivery time. [Call: (069) 94 21 30 - 0](tel:+496994213000) · [Email info@mvg-frankfurt.de](mailto:info@mvg-frankfurt.de?subject=Question%20about%3A%20Material%20certificates%3A%202.1%2C%202.2%2C%203.1%20and%203.2%20explained) ## Related articles - [Materials Not all stainless steel is the same: 1.4301, 1.4305, 1.4307 and 1.4571 Four stainless steel grades, four strengths: welding, turning, chlorides. Which grade suits which semi-finished product. 2 min read Read the article →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/magazine/stainless-steel-grades-overview) - [Materials V2A or V4A: choosing stainless steel by application The generic names alone are not enough for an order. 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