Understand Mill Test Certificates EN 10204 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and their Differences
A Mill Test Certificate (MTC), or Mill Test Report (MTR), is issued by a manufacturer to certify the chemical and mechanical features of a product and its compliance with the applicable norms and technical specifications. Typically, Mill Test Certificates conform to the EN 10204 standard and are related to steel products. Mill Test Certificates (when required and/or applicable) shall be submitted by the exporter to the importer at shipping, together with the other typical shipping documents (invoices, packing lists, transportation docs)
MILL TEST CERTIFICATE
DEFINITION OF MTC
A Mill Test Certificate (MTC), otherwise defined as a “Mill Test Report” (MTR), is a certified document provided by a manufacturer that attests to the chemical and physical properties of a material or a product (for example a pipe, or a pipe fitting).
These certificates are often required in the metals industry to verify that the material meets the specified criteria and standards for a particular application. For products obtained by assembling or processing other components and/or parts (for example a 90 degrees elbow which is manufactured by cutting, bending, and forming a “mother” pipe), the manufacturer shall deliver both the mill test certificate of the end product (the elbow itself, in this example, if applicable), and of the mother-product (the pipe/s in this case).
MTCs are crucial in industries where materials’ quality and composition are critical for safety and performance, such as construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors (including petrochemicals and oil and gas).
WHY MILL TEST CERTIFICATES ARE IMPORTANT
When purchasing metal products, or products made of metals like pipes, valves, fittings, and flanges, buyers shall always request a mill test certificate from the manufacturer or distributor. This is critical for several reasons:
- Quality Assurance: MTCs provide assurance that the materials supplied meet the required standards and specifications, offering a traceable record of the material’s origin and properties.
- Compliance: For projects that must adhere to specific engineering standards and codes, MTCs are vital for ensuring compliance with these regulations.
- Safety: In critical applications where material failure can lead to severe consequences, MTCs help ensure that only materials with the appropriate quality and strength are used.
- Risk Management: Having an MTC reduces the risk of using substandard materials in projects, which can lead to costly repairs, replacements, and even accidents.
TYPE OF INFORMATION SHOWN ON MTC’s
A mill test certificate to EN 10204 shows, generally, the following information:
- The Manufacturer’s name and address (with any other business info related to the manufacturing plant)
- The indication/text “Mill Test Certificate” or “Mill Test Report” at the top of the document
- The date of the MTC
- The Type of MTC (for example “EN 10204 3.1” or “EN 10204 3.2” – see below)
- The page number and the total number of pages of the MTC (for example “2/12” – i.e. page 2 of 12)
- The customer name (that could be the end-user or a distributor/trader)
- The exact definition of the material/product covered by the MTC
- Product name and type (for example “Seamless Pipes”)
- The manufacturing process (for example “Seamless hot rolled”)
- The surface type (for example “Varnished”)
- The dimensions of the product (for example NPS x WT, plus lengths)
- The quantity covered by the specific MTC in units (for example “meters 100”), the nominal weight in kgs/lbs (for example 2.600 kgs/tons), the net/gross weight (if available)
- The final test result for the different physical attributes of the material by heat number (for example results of the tensile strength, hardness, sulfide stress cracking, and chemical composition…by heat number) concerning allowed tolerances (set by the applicable specifications and/or standards)
- Results of additional tests, like hydrostatic, ultrasounds (UT), hardness, impact test, magnetic particles, metal graphic result, etc.
- Marking information and details applied to the material/batch covered by the MTC
- Summary information
- Addenda useful to appraise the full features of the product
- Stamps & Signatures of the Manufacturer’s Quality Dept. representatives that executed the tests
- Customer signature
- Stamps & Signatures of the Third-Party Inspector (if applicable, for example in EN 10204 3.2)
MAIN TYPES OF MTC (2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2)
There are typically four types of Mill Test Certificates (from the lightest in terms of independent inspection, i.e. 2.1, to the toughest, i.e. 3.2):
EN 10204 Type 2.1
EN 10204 Type 2.1 is a type of certification provided by manufacturers of metallic products, such as plates, bars, tubes, and forgings. According to the EN 10204 standard, which outlines different types of inspection documents for metallic products, a Type 2.1 certificate is a declaration of compliance with the order by the manufacturer. Unlike Type 3.1 or Type 3.2 certificates, Type 2.1 does not involve independent third-party verification.
Key Features Of EN 10204 Type 2.1 Certificate
- Declaration of Compliance: The Type 2.1 certificate is essentially a statement from the manufacturer affirming that the supplied products comply with the requirements of the order. This includes adherence to specified dimensions, material grade, and general quality parameters.
- Content: The certificate typically includes the manufacturer’s details, product description, order details, and a statement of compliance. However, it does not include detailed test results or specific property values of the material (such as chemical composition or mechanical properties).
- Verification: There is no requirement for the manufacturer to present actual test results or for a third-party inspection agency to verify the product. The assurance provided is based solely on the manufacturer’s internal quality control processes.
Applications And Considerations
- General Use: Type 2.1 certificates are generally suitable for applications where the detailed material properties are not critical to the application’s safety or performance, or where the buyer has other means of verifying material quality.
- Limitations: For projects requiring stringent adherence to specific material properties or standards, a Type 2.1 certificate may not provide sufficient assurance. In such cases, Type 3.1 or Type 3.2 certificates, which include detailed material properties and, for Type 3.2, third-party verification, are preferable.
- Selection Criteria: When choosing materials or specifying certificate types, it’s important to consider the application’s requirements, potential risks, and regulatory obligations. Type 2.1 certificates may be acceptable for less critical applications, but more demanding environments would benefit from the higher assurance levels provided by Type 3.1 or Type 3.2 certificates.
In summary, an EN 10204 Type 2.1 certificate provides a basic level of assurance, confirming that the product complies with the order specifications without including specific test results. It is up to the buyer to determine if this level of certification is adequate for their application, considering the material’s intended use and the potential consequences of material failure.
EN 10204 Type 2.2
EN 10204 Type 2.2 is a certification standard outlined in the EN 10204 specification, which defines different types of inspection documents provided by manufacturers concerning the delivery of metallic products such as plates, bars, forgings, and castings. Type 2.2 certification provides a declaration of compliance with the order, by the manufacturer.
Key Features Of EN 10204 Type 2.2 Certificate
- Compliance Declaration: It declares that the products supplied are in compliance with the order requirements, but unlike Type 3.1 or 3.2 certificates, it does not include specific test results.
- Testing and Inspection Data: While specific test results are not included, the certificate generally states that the products have been tested by the standard and specific norms applicable to the products. It summarizes the inspection and testing performed and confirms that the products meet the definitions and guidelines of the standard.
- Manufacturer’s Confirmation: The certificate is issued by the manufacturer and must be authorized by the manufacturer’s personnel. However, it does not require independent verification by an external inspector (as is necessary for Type 3.2 certification).
Application And Use
EN 10204 Type 2.2 certificates are used in situations where the buyer requires more information than what is provided in a Type 2.1 declaration of compliance without inspection documents. It assures buyers that the products meet the order requirements based on non-specific inspections and tests conducted by the manufacturer. However, for applications requiring detailed material properties and third-party verification, Type 3.1 or 3.2 certificates might be necessary.
Type 2.2 certificates are suitable for applications where the risk is relatively low, and the cost or necessity of a more detailed certification (like Type 3.1 or 3.2) cannot be justified. They are often used in general engineering applications where the precise material properties are not critical to the application’s performance or safety requirements.
EN 10204 Type 3.1
EN 10204 Type 3.1 is a certification standard outlined within the EN 10204 specification, which dictates the different types of inspection documents supplied by manufacturers with the delivery of metallic products, such as plates, bars, forgings, and castings. Type 3.1 certification provides specific information about the material’s properties and its compliance with the order requirements, including details on chemical composition, mechanical properties, and any additional testing that was performed.
Key Features Of EN 10204 Type 3.1 Certificate
- Test Results: The certificate includes actual test results for the specific items supplied. This may cover chemical composition, mechanical properties (such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and impact resistance), and other tested attributes relevant to the order specifications.
- Validation: The Type 3.1 certificate must be validated by the manufacturer’s authorized inspection representative who is independent of the manufacturing department. This provides a level of assurance that the products meet the specified requirements.
- Traceability: It offers traceability of the material by including details like heat or batch number, which connects the product with the test results documented in the certificate.
- Compliance: It declares that the products supplied follow the requirements of the order, based on specific inspections and tests.
Application And Use
EN 10204 Type 3.1 certificates are widely required in industries where material properties are critical for the application’s safety and functionality. This includes the oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and construction sectors, among others. Type 3.1 certification is often specified in contracts and procurement documents to ensure that the materials supplied can be verified to have met the required standards and specifications.
The inclusion of specific test results provides buyers and engineers with confidence in the material’s suitability for the intended application, particularly in critical and high-performance environments. For applications requiring even higher assurance, including third-party verification, an EN 10204 Type 3.2 certificate might be requested.
In summary, an EN 10204 Type 3.1 certificate is a vital document that ensures the reliability and quality of materials used in various sectors, serving as an important element of quality assurance programs and compliance with regulatory standards.
EN 1024 3.1 MILL TEST CERTIFICATE TYPES A/B/C
| Certificate type | Title | Summary of EN10204 requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Inspection certificate | Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer with results of specific inspection | Replaces 3.1B. Common certificate type issued for ‘batch tested’ material. Cert. issued and signed by the manufacturer’s representative, who must be independent of the manufacturing department. Eg Inspection department or test house manager/supervisor. |
| 3.1A | Inspection certificate 3.1A | With a mention of test results from specific inspections and testing | Batch test results. Cert. issued by independent inspector required by releasing authority (eg TUV for German pressure vessels). Replaced by 3.2 in 2004 |
| 3.1B | Inspection certificate 3.1B | With a mention of test results from specific inspections and testing | Batch test results. Cert. issued and signed by the manufacturer’s representative. Replaced by 3.1 in 2004 |
| 3.1C | Inspection certificate 3.1C | With a mention of test results from specific inspections and testing | Batch test results. Cert. issued by an independent inspector appointed by a customer (eg Lloyds). Replaced by 3.2 in 2004 |
EN 10204 Type 3.2
EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification is a standard outlined within the EN 10204 specification, which defines the different types of inspection documents supplied by manufacturers with the delivery of metallic products. Type 3.2 certification is among the most stringent and provides assurance regarding the conformity of the products to the specified order requirements and applicable standards.
Key Features Of EN 10204 Type 3.2 Certificate
- Third-Party Verification: The distinctive feature of Type 3.2 certification is that it involves independent verification by a third-party inspector. This third party is either an authorized representative of the purchaser, a designated inspection representative independent of the manufacturing department, or a representative from an officially recognized inspection agency.
- Specific Test Results: Similar to Type 3.1, the Type 3.2 certificate includes specific test results for the product, such as chemical composition and mechanical properties. However, the presence of the third-party inspector’s validation adds an additional layer of assurance.
- Traceability: Provides traceability of the material back to its production batch, correlating the product with specific test results and ensuring that the material meets the required specifications.
- Documented Verification: Both the manufacturer and the independent third party must sign the Type 3.2 certificate, attesting to the conformity of the product with the order requirements.
Application And Use
EN 10204 Type 3.2 certificates are required in critical applications where the material’s integrity is paramount. These include sectors like aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and naval construction, where failure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Type 3.2 certification is often specified for components that are subject to high stress, corrosive environments, or extreme temperatures.
The involvement of a third-party inspector provides added assurance to buyers and project managers that the materials and products have been thoroughly tested and inspected, not only by the manufacturer but also by an unbiased external entity. This level of scrutiny is crucial for projects with stringent safety and reliability standards.
Importance
Type 3.2 certification is vital for ensuring the highest levels of material compliance and quality in industries where failure is not an option. The dual verification process—by both the manufacturer and an independent third party—helps mitigate risks associated with material defects and non-conformities, ensuring that only materials that fully meet the specified requirements are used in critical applications.
In summary, EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification represents the highest standard of assurance provided in the EN 10204 specification, offering comprehensive validation of a material’s properties and compliance through independent third-party inspection.
Sample mill test certificate (Tenaris steel pipes).
SUMMARY TABLE FOR MTC’S
| Mill Test Certificate denomination in… | |||||
| MTC Type EN 10204 |
English | German | French | Scope | MTC to be validated by… |
| MTC Type 2.1 | Declaration of compliance with the order | Werk- Bescheinigung |
Attestation de conformité á la Commande | Statement of compliance with the order | The manufacturer |
| MTC Type 2.2 | Test report | Werkzeugnisse | Relvé de contrôle | Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer based on non-specific inspections (tests) by the manufacturer. | The manufacturer |
| MTC Type 3.1 | Inspection certificate 3.1 | Abnahmeprüf- Zeugnisse 3.1 |
Certificat de réception 3.1 | Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer with results of a specific inspection | The manufacturer`s authorized inspection representative, independent by the manufacturing department |
| MTC Type 3.2 | Inspection certificate 3.2 | Abnahmeprüf- Zeugnisse 3.2 |
Certificat de réception 3.2 | Statement of compliance with the order with an indication of results of a specific inspection |
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The main differences among the MTCs 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2 are:
- Level of Detail: Types 2.1 and 2.2 provide general declarations of compliance, with Type 2.2 offering a bit more detail on testing and inspection processes. Types 3.1 and 3.2 provide specific test results, with Type 3.2 including third-party verification.
- Verification: Types 3.1 and 3.2 certificates are more rigorous, including specific test results and requiring validation by independent parties (Type 3.2 only).
- Application Use: Types 3.1 and 3.2 are typically required in more critical applications, where specific material properties must be verified and documented for safety, performance, and compliance reasons.
FORGERY OF MILL TEST CERTIFICATES
Fake Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) pose a significant risk to industries that rely on certified materials for safety, performance, and compliance with standards.
These counterfeit documents are fabricated to appear as if they certify a material’s properties and compliance with specifications, but they do not accurately reflect the material’s actual characteristics. The existence of fake MTCs underscores the importance of due diligence and verification in the procurement process. Here are key points regarding fake Mill Test Certificates and how to mitigate their risks:
Risks And Consequences Of Fake MTCs
- Compromised Safety: Using materials that do not meet required standards can lead to failures, posing severe safety risks to personnel and the environment.
- Legal and Financial Liabilities: Organizations may face legal penalties, costly recalls, or project delays if substandard materials are discovered in their products or infrastructure.
- Damaged Reputation: The use of non-compliant materials can tarnish a company’s reputation and erode trust among clients and partners.
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Identifying And Preventing The Use Of Fake MTCs
- Verify with the Manufacturer: Directly contact the material manufacturer to verify the authenticity of the MTC. Most reputable manufacturers can confirm the validity of their certificates.
- Third-Party Verification: Utilize services from independent third-party inspection agencies to validate the material properties and the authenticity of the MTC. This is especially crucial for critical applications.
- Check for Inconsistencies: Scrutinize the MTC for any inconsistencies or errors in formatting, spelling, or data that might indicate forgery. Compare the certificate’s format with known genuine examples from the same manufacturer.
- Traceability: Ensure that the MTC includes clear traceability information, such as heat or batch numbers, and verify this information against the physical product.
- Quality Assurance Processes: Implement robust quality assurance procedures for verifying and documenting the receipt and inspection of materials. This can include regular audits of suppliers and testing of material samples.
- Supplier Audits: Conduct thorough audits of suppliers to assess their credibility, quality control practices, and the authenticity of their documentation.
- Education and Training: Educate procurement and engineering teams about the risks of fake MTCs and train them on how to recognize and report suspected forgeries.
Industry Collaboration And Reporting
Encourage and participate in industry-wide efforts to combat the proliferation of fake MTCs. Reporting suspected fake certificates to relevant authorities and industry associations can help raise awareness and lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies.
By taking proactive steps to verify the authenticity of Mill Test Certificates, companies can significantly reduce the risks associated with the use of non-compliant materials, safeguarding their projects, reputation, and, most importantly, the safety of all stakeholders.
Blockchain Technology Could Help Fight Fake MTCs
Using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to prevent the counterfeiting of industrial products is an innovative application of blockchain technology. NFTs, which are unique digital certificates stored on a blockchain, provide a secure and tamper-proof method of verifying the authenticity, ownership, and provenance of both digital and physical goods.
blockchain Here’s how NFTs can be used to combat counterfeiting in the industrial sector:
1. Digital Authentication:
- Creating NFTs for Physical Products: Each physical product or component can be paired with a unique NFT that serves as a digital twin. This NFT contains critical data about the product, including manufacturing details, batch numbers, and certification information.
- Secure Storage: Information within NFTs is stored on a blockchain, making it immutable and protected against unauthorized alterations. This ensures that the product’s digital certificate of authenticity cannot be forged.
2. Provenance Tracking
- Comprehensive History: NFTs can store the entire history of a product, from its production through its various ownership and transaction stages. This level of traceability is invaluable for verifying the product’s journey and ensuring it has not been tampered with or replaced by counterfeits.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Implementing NFTs throughout the supply chain enhances transparency, allowing buyers to verify the origin and journey of the products and components they purchase.
3. Ownership Verification
- Transferable Records: NFTs can facilitate the transfer of ownership records securely and efficiently. When a product is sold or changes hands, its corresponding NFT is transferred to the new owner, providing a clear and indisputable record of ownership.
- Access Control: Only authorized parties can access and update the NFT, ensuring that the product’s ownership and history are securely managed.
4. Integration With Smart Contracts
- Automated Verification: Smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, can be used in conjunction with NFTs to automate verification processes, payments, and transfers of ownership, further securing transactions against fraud.
- Conditional Transactions: Smart contracts can enforce conditions that must be met for a transaction to occur, such as the verification of a product’s authenticity through its NFT before a sale can be completed.
5. Challenges And Considerations
- Physical-Digital Link: Ensuring a secure and tamper-proof link between the physical product and its digital NFT is crucial. This may involve secure tagging technologies, such as RFID chips, QR codes, or holograms, that can securely associate a physical item with its digital counterpart.
- Adoption and Standardization: Widespread adoption of NFTs for anti-counterfeiting measures requires collaboration and standardization across industries and supply chains. Establishing common standards and practices is essential for interoperability and effectiveness.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The use of NFTs must comply with existing regulations and laws, including those related to data privacy, digital assets, and cross-border transactions.
By leveraging NFTs and blockchain technology, companies in the industrial sector can significantly enhance the security, transparency, and efficiency of their operations, providing a powerful tool against the challenges posed by counterfeit products.
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