Short answer
An inspection document, a test report and a declaration of conformity can be issued for different purposes. Who issued it, what it covers and which product it is linked to matter as much as the name of the document; one document type does not automatically replace another.
Technical explanation
EN 10204 covers types of inspection documents for metallic products. A material document under this standard does not mean that all performance tests of the hose assembly have been carried out. A declaration of conformity for a regulated product must also be understood in terms of the relevant legislation and assessment scope. The normative definitions or signature requirements of the document types must not be reproduced without reviewing the full text of EN 10204.
Topic-specific checkpoints
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection document | Defined product or material and document type |
| Test report | Method, sample and measurement result |
| Declaration of conformity | Declared legislation or requirements |
| Check | Matching of issuer, scope and identification |
How to evaluate it in practice
In the document inventory, create fields for type, issuer, product or material identification, date and scope. Instead of answering expressions such as ‘3.1’ in a purchase request with automatic text, ask the supplier for the actual document. Use a data check to prevent a material certificate from being uploaded to the test report field. If a document is missing, mark this clearly; do not call a general catalog page a delivery certificate. Do not use an inspection document and a declaration of conformity interchangeably until the document type and the physical product it covers have been determined.
Original editorial recommendation; not a clause of a standard.
Frequently asked questions
Does a material certificate replace an assembly pressure test?
No. Material properties and the behavior of the assembly under specific test conditions are different evidence.
Source coverage
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S013
ISO 1402:2021 ISO · accessed 2026-10-19 Abstract; General information
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S056
Pressure Equipment Directive European Commission · accessed 2026-10-19 Directive 2014/68/EU: scope and guidance
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S094
DIN EN 10204:2005-01 / EN 10204:2004 DIN Media · accessed 2026-10-19 Public contents and document-type classification; no proprietary certificates reproduced