--- title: How EN 10204 Certificate Types (2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2) Apply to PED 4.3 Flange Materials date: 2026-01-15T05:58:14Z modified: 2026-01-19T06:36:09Z permalink: "https://www.longanflange.com/blog/en-10204-certificate-types-ped-4-3-valve-flange/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 3347 categories: - Blog featured_image: "https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1768326277030-876.webp" featured_image_alt: A professional studio shot of various precision-engineered stainless steel valve components and flanges, meeting the PED 4.3 valve certification standards. timestamp: 2026-01-19T06:36:09Z tags: - Blog --- A PED 4.3 flange requires documented proof that all pressure-retaining materials meet European safety and quality requirements. That’s where EN 10204 certificates come in. Below, we’ll break down what each certificate type means, which ones matter most for PED compliance, and how buyers can make the right decision when selecting flange materials. ![](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1768326277030-876-2.webp) ## What is an EN 10204 Certificate? EN 10204 certificates are inspection documents that provide verified material test results and traceability, supporting compliance with technical and safety requirements under PED. These are very important for buyers who need to verify that the [materials used to create flanges](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/material.md) have been tested, inspected, and are traceable under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). ## Types of EN 10204 Certificates Each type represents a different level of assurance, ranging from basic compliance to full third-party validation. Here’s what each of them covers: | **Certificate Type** | **Description** | **Typical Use** | | --- | --- | --- | | 2.1 | Declaration of compliance without test data | Non-critical parts | | 2.2 | Compliance statement with non-specific test results. Type 2.2 certificates are not acceptable for PED 4.3 pressure-retaining components. | General-purpose materials | | 3.1 | Inspection certificate validated by the manufacturer’s QA department | PED materials and pressure parts | | 3.2 | The manufacturer and an independent third-party validated the inspection certificate | High-risk or regulated pressure components | ## Application of Certificate Type Applies Since each type provides a different level of [inspection assurance ](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/china-stainless-steel-cnc-machining-flange-quality.md)and traceability, understanding them can help buyers align documentation requirements with both the material’s intended application and pressure classification. ![](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1768323211231-556-5.webp) - Type 2.1: Only suitable for non-pressurized parts. Not acceptable for any PED 4.3 pressure components. - Type 2.2: Provides limited test data from non-specific inspections or similar products. Not suitable for PED 4.3 pressure components. - Type 3.1: The gold standard for most PED 4.3 flanges. This certificate provides data and traceability, ensuring a higher level of quality assurance. - Type 3.2: Offers the highest level of assurance. It adds third-party verification, which is often required for critical pressure parts. ## Selecting Certificates for PED 4.3 Flanges Buyers choosing flange materials under PED 4.3 should prioritize those with 3.1 or 3.2 certificates. Here’s how you can decide: - Avoid 2.1 and 2.2 for any pressure-bearing components. - Choose 3.1 for standard and most industrial applications. - Choose 3.2 for applications involving extreme conditions (high temperature and pressure or hazardous materials) where safety is critical. ## FAQs 1. **Do flanges and valves require the same certificate level?** Yes. Under PED, flanges, valves, and other pressure-retaining components are subject to the same material certification requirements and typically require EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 certificates. 2. **Why does PED 4.3 emphasize certificates?** These certificates ensure that every material can be traced, verified, and proven safe for use in high-pressure applications. 3. **How do I verify a certificate’s authenticity?** Check the manufacturer’s signature, relevant heat or batch numbers, and any third-party validation stated in the certificate. ## Only Choose Certified Flanges Every PED 4.3 flange depends on properly documented materials. Choosing those with appropriate certificates means your project meets both technical and legal guidelines, bringing you and your clients peace of mind. Our company, LONG’AN, manufactures flanges that are certified and comply with [global standards](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/asme-flange.md). Reach out to us today for more information on how we can assist you in your next project. [Advanced Flange Manufacturing State-of-the-art production & rigorous quality control ensuring precision for every stainless steel flange. View Manufacturing Process ](https://www.longanflange.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/manufacturing.md)