Technical guide
EN 10204: 3.1 or 3.2 certificate?
A 3.1 inspection certificate shows test results from the actual delivered batch, validated by the manufacturer's own inspector independent of production. A 3.2 adds a second signature from an independent third party – such as TÜV, Lloyd's Register or the purchaser's inspector. For pressure equipment, 3.1 is the practical minimum.
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Short answer
- 2.1 / 2.2 – declarations and test reports, no results from your batch. Not for pressure parts.
- 3.1 – results from your batch, validated by the manufacturer's inspector. Our standard.
- 3.2 – as 3.1, plus validated by an independent third party. On request.
- Every HBS stud and bolt carries its heat number, traceable to the certificate.
Comparison
The four document types.
| Type | Name | Validated by | Test results | Tested on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Declaration of compliance | Manufacturer | None | – |
| 2.2 | Test report | Manufacturer | Yes, from non-specific inspection | Products of the same kind, not necessarily your batch |
| 3.1 | Inspection certificate 3.1 | Manufacturer's authorized inspector, independent of production | Yes, specific inspection | The delivered batch |
| 3.2 | Inspection certificate 3.2 | Manufacturer's inspector and an independent third party or the purchaser's inspector | Yes, specific inspection | The delivered batch, verified by the third party |
Which one do you need?
It depends on the application.
- 01General engineering2.2 is often enough when no specification asks for more.
- 02Pressure equipment (PED 2014/68/EU, ASME B31.3)Main pressure-bearing parts need specific inspection: in practice at least 3.1. A 2.2 is generally not accepted for pressure piping.
- 03Projects with third-party inspectionOffshore, nuclear and many end-user specifications ask for 3.2. Name the inspection body in your order – we arrange the witness.
FAQ
Questions we get every week.
- Who is the third party for a 3.2?
- The purchaser's authorized representative or an inspector named in the regulations or order – for example TÜV, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas or DNV.
- Does a 3.2 take longer?
- Yes, the inspector has to witness or review the tests. Mention it in your request so we can plan it into the delivery time.
- What is on a 3.1 certificate?
- Chemical analysis and mechanical test results of the heat and batch delivered, the standard and grade, and the heat number that is also marked on the parts.
- Is a 2.2 enough for flange bolting?
- Not for pressure equipment. Under PED and ASME B31.3, flange bolting needs certificates from specific inspection – 3.1 or 3.2.
- Where do I find my certificates?
- Order certificates are available in your HBS B2B account, linked to the order.
- Do nuts need their own certificate?
- Yes. Studs and nuts each have their own heat number and certificate.
Next step
Configure, download or ask.
Reviewed October 2026 by HBS Solutions. Based on EN 10204:2004 and the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. Values are minimums from the standard; always check the edition and options named in your project specification.
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