Upgrading | Certification

Standard designation: 
2.2

Document: 
Test rapport

Type rapport:
Non-specific

Contents:
A document in which the manufacturer confirms that the delivered products satisfy the specifications prescribed by the order and provides the test results based on ‘non-prescribed testing’, i.e., tests are performed that are then listed in the document, but the type of test to be performed is not prescribed. In the event of non-prescribed testing, it is determined whether products that are the result of the same manufacturing process meet the specifications prescribed by the order. The tests need not actually involve the products being delivered. Essentially, a document of this type usually lists the chemical composition of the product, and sometimes certain mechanical properties. There is no relationship between the certificate and the delivered product indicated by stamps, markings or the like.

Conditions:
In accordance with contract. If needed, in accordance with official rules and corresponding technical standards.

Document validated by:
The manufacturer

Standard designation: 
3.1

Document: 
Inspection rapport

Type rapport: 
Specific

Contents:
A document in which authorised staff members of the manufacturer (who are not part of the manufacturing process) declare that the delivered products meet the standards/specifications prescribed in the order and that provides the test results based on prescribed testing. 

In the event of prescribed testing, tests are performed in accordance with the technical specifications of the order to determine whether the product meets the prescribed specifications. The tests must pertain to the actual products to be delivered or the testing grade of the products to be delivered. The testing grade is prescribed in the relevant product standard or must be determined upon ordering. In short, there is a relationship between the certificate and the delivered products in the form of a particular stamp or marking.

The buyer is required to indicate in their order which type of inspection document is required. The product standard for the relevant product indicates which testing results must be included in the inspection document at the very least. If the buyer would like additional testing to be performed, or if the product standard contains no standard testing, agreements to this effect must be established as part of the order.

In short, it would a misconception to assume that an inspection document (types 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2) ALWAYS need to list the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the product. However, they usually do. The relevant product standard should be consulted to determine what the applicable requirements are in any given case.

Conditions:
In accordance with contract. If needed, in accordance with official rules and corresponding technical standards.

Document validated by:
An authorised representative of the buyer

Standard designation: 
3.2

Document: 
Inspection rapport

Type rapport: 
Specific

Contents:
A 3.2 certificate is an inspection report that has been validated by an authorised representative of the manufacturer as well as the authorised representative of the buyer, based on prescribed testing. This means that there is a relationship between the certificate and the delivered products in the form of a particular stamp or marking, and there has been additional verification by a representative of the buyer. Usually, said representative is a professional working for a testing agency.

The representatives are usually present during the sampling and often also during the actual testing. In testing, the items (both the parent material and the test-piece) are marked with indelible stamps so as to prevent materials from being switched out. The test-piece is then tested at a certified testing agency. Once the inspector is convinced that the delivered material satisfies the requirements prescribed by the standards/specifications, they then validate the material.

Conditions:
In accordance with contract. If needed, in accordance with official rules and corresponding technical standards.

Document validated by:
An authorised representative of the buyer, not part of the manufacturing process. 

In terms of upgrading / certification, Almet Benelux has experience dealing with the following, among others:
> Lloyd's 
> ABS
> TÜV
> Bureau Veritas
> DNV
> Element