When I first imported custom steel brackets, I didn’t ask for test certificates. It cost me an entire batch when the parts failed testing here. Never again. Now, test reports are non-negotiable.
Yes, you can and should require suppliers to provide quality test reports—such as Mill Test Certificates (MTC), Certificates of Conformance (CoC), and First Article Inspection (FAI) reports—to ensure compliance, safety, and traceability.
Specifying these reports in your purchase orders helps prevent disputes, supports customs clearance, and confirms the parts meet your quality and regulatory standards.
What test reports are acceptable?
At first, I thought any inspection report would do. But my customs agent rejected a supplier-issued sheet without a signature or test method. That’s when I learned to ask for certified formats.
Acceptable quality test reports include Mill Test Certificates (MTC), Certificates of Conformance (CoC), First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, and final inspection reports—depending on the order’s nature and destination (What is a mill test certificate?) 1.
Common Test Report Types
| Report Type | Purpose | Key Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Test Certificate (MTC) | Certifies chemical/mechanical properties | Chemical analysis, mechanical data, heat number, standards |
| Certificate of Conformance (CoC) | Declares compliance with order specs | Statement of conformity, PO and part references |
| First Article Inspection (FAI) | Confirms initial production meets requirements | Dimensional data, drawings, inspection notes |
| Final Inspection Report | Verifies QC results before shipment | Defects, pass/fail status, packaging check |
In regulated markets or high-risk industries, you may require EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 MTCs, or full PPAP documentation (EN 10204 3.2 explanation) 2.
How to verify report authenticity?
One time, I received a forged MTC. The supplier copied a report from another job. I only found out when the lab test didn’t match. That’s when I added report verification steps.
To verify authenticity, cross-check report data against part markings, review formatting, contact issuing labs, and request third-party witnessed certificates (EN 10204 3.2) for critical parts (MTC verification guidance) 3.
Steps to Confirm Report Validity
| Verification Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Match heat/lot numbers | Ensures traceability between part and certificate |
| Check signature and lab stamp | Indicates report was formally issued |
| Verify test methods used | Confirms accuracy and standard compliance |
| Request EN 10204 3.2 MTC | Ensures independent third-party witnessed tests |
| Contact issuing lab | Detects forgery or tampering |
For large or safety-critical orders, onsite third-party inspections to cross-check certificates are recommended.
Are material certificates required?
Yes. Material certificates—especially Mill Test Certificates—are often required for customs clearance in many jurisdictions, including the EU and U.S. (EU import MTC requirement) 4.
EN 10204 Standard Certificate Types
| Certificate Type | Issuer | Verification Level | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Declaration | Manufacturer | No test data | Internal use |
| 2.2 Test Report | Manufacturer | Typical values only | Low‑risk parts |
| 3.1 MTC | Manufacturer QA | Signed test results | Standard for most buyers |
| 3.2 MTC | Third‑party/OEM | Independent witnessed data | High-risk, regulated applications |
Missing a verified MTC may lead to shipment holds or regulatory fines (customs sanction note) 5.
How often should reports be updated?
When a supplier sent me the same old FAI report for a new mold revision, I knew something was off. It turned out the new parts were out of spec. Since then, I demand fresh reports for every change.
Test reports should be updated whenever there’s a new production lot, tooling change, material batch, or a six-month gap since last order (MTC update best practices) 6.
When to Require New Reports
| Trigger Event | Required Reports |
|---|---|
| New production batch | Updated MTC, inspection report |
| New mold or revision | New FAI, updated CoC |
| Material supplier change | Fresh MTC, full traceability |
| Spec change in PO | FAI, CoC, lab test results |
| Six months+ since last order | New inspection report |
Include these requirements explicitly in your Purchase Order or Inspection Test Plan (ITP).
Conclusion
Yes — you can and should require quality test reports such as MTC, CoC, and FAI for imported steel parts. Specifying formats (EN 10204 3.1/3.2), verifying authenticity, and keeping reports current strengthens traceability, compliance, and supplier accountability.
Footnotes
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Definition and contents of MTC/MTR and its role in traceability. ↩
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Detailed comparison of EN 10204 certificate types (3.1 vs 3.2). ↩
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Guidelines for authenticating material test certificates. ↩
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EU regulatory requirement – MTC for steel imports. ↩
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Customs enforcement and penalties when MTC absent or forged. ↩
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When to issue new certificates or inspection reports. ↩
