Certificates and Documentation for Steel Construction
Selecting the correct structural fastener is only part of the requirement. The right certificates, declarations and traceability records help demonstrate that the products supplied meet the technical and documentation requirements of your steel construction project.
Understand the differences between inspection certificates, Declarations of Performance (DoP), European Technical Assessments (ETA) and other supporting records. Learn what to check before ordering and how to prepare for quality reviews and project handover.
Why certificates matter in steel construction
Structural bolting assemblies, concrete anchors, threaded rods and other construction fixings may need supporting documents to demonstrate their characteristics, declared performance or suitability for a specified application.
Missing or incorrect documentation can delay technical approval, procurement, site acceptance and project handover. A well-managed documentation process helps engineers, buyers and quality teams verify what has been ordered and supplied.
Confirm the product
Check that the supplied item matches the required standard, product designation, dimensions, material and intended application.
Verify performance
Review applicable declarations, technical assessments and inspection records to understand the product's documented characteristics.
Support project handover
Maintain appropriate records for quality assurance, audits, customer submissions and final construction documentation.
Key principle: The correct document depends on the product, the relevant standard, its intended use and the project specification. A certificate, technical assessment and performance declaration are not interchangeable.
The main certificates and documents used in steel construction
Different records support different parts of specification, procurement and quality control. The following document types are commonly relevant when selecting structural fasteners and anchoring products.
1. EN 10204 Inspection Certificates
Inspection documents provide information about product or material conformity and, depending on the document type, relevant inspection and test results.
An EN 10204 type 3.1 certificate includes results of specific inspection and is validated by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative independent of the manufacturing department.
2. Declaration of Performance (DoP)
A Declaration of Performance communicates the performance declared by the manufacturer for a construction product under the applicable regulatory framework.
It helps project teams review declared characteristics and confirm that the documentation corresponds to the selected product.
3. European Technical Assessment (ETA)
An ETA provides an assessment of specified product performance for an identified intended use.
For anchoring systems, it may describe relevant base materials, application conditions, anchor configurations and performance information.
4. CE Marking and Supporting Documentation
Where applicable, CE marking relates to the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the requirements of the relevant EU legislation.
For construction products, review the applicable regulatory route and accompanying performance documentation.
5. Technical Data Sheets
Technical data sheets provide information about products, characteristics, dimensions, materials, coatings, applications and installation requirements.
They support product selection but should not automatically be treated as a substitute for required certificates or declarations.
6. Traceability and Batch Records
Batch numbers, product identification and related supply records may help connect delivered products to their manufacturing or supply records.
The traceability available depends on the product and the applicable supply arrangements.
Important: Not every product is supplied with every document type. Availability, applicability and any requirements for specific certificates must be confirmed for the exact product before ordering.
Steel construction documentation at a glance
Use this comparison to identify which document may help answer a particular technical or procurement question.
| Document type | Main purpose | What project teams should verify |
|---|---|---|
| EN 10204 inspection certificate | Provides the inspection and test information appropriate to the certificate type. | Correct certificate type, product identity, reported results and traceability where required. |
| Declaration of Performance (DoP) | Communicates the manufacturer's declared performance for an applicable construction product. | Exact product identification, declared characteristics, intended use and applicable regulatory route. |
| European Technical Assessment (ETA) | Provides an assessed technical basis for specified product performance and intended use. | Assessment scope, product configuration, application conditions and relevant limitations. |
| CE marking information | Supports verification of applicable EU conformity requirements. | Whether marking is applicable and that the corresponding supporting documents relate to the product. |
| Technical data sheet | Provides product specifications, characteristics and practical technical information. | Part number, dimensions, grade, material, finish and installation requirements. |
| Traceability records | Connect supplied products to an identifiable source, lot, batch or related record. | That the identifiers and records correspond to the products actually delivered. |
The comparison is general guidance. Project-specific documentation requirements should be confirmed with the responsible design, procurement and quality teams.
Which documentation matters for structural bolting and anchoring?
Different steel construction products follow different standards and assessment routes. The supporting documents should match the actual assembly or fixing system being used.
Structural Bolting: EN 15048 and EN 14399
EN 15048 covers non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies while EN 14399 covers high-strength structural bolting assemblies intended for preloading.
For structural bolting, project teams should verify the specified assembly, the applicable product standard, manufacturer information and relevant conformity documentation.
- Correct EN 15048 or EN 14399 assembly
- Compatible bolts, nuts and washers
- Correct product marking and identification
- Relevant Declaration of Performance where applicable
- Required inspection documents and traceability
Anchoring Systems: ETA and DoP
For mechanical and chemical anchors, documentation may be essential for establishing whether the selected product has been assessed for the intended application.
For example, an anchor's ETA may identify conditions concerning concrete type, fixing dimensions, embedment, loading and installation.
- Product and assessment identification
- Relevant ETA and DoP information
- Base material and intended application
- Permitted configurations and installation conditions
- Project-specific documentation requirements
Remember: A product having an ETA does not mean every installation configuration is automatically covered. The selected size, substrate, loading and installation conditions must fall within the relevant assessed scope.
Documentation and traceability are not the same
A common mistake is to assume that a certificate automatically provides all the traceability needed for a project.
Documentation helps demonstrate the characteristics, declared performance or assessed use of a product. Traceability is concerned with linking the product actually supplied to an identifiable source or supporting record.
Documentation
What does the supporting information tell us?
Certificates, declarations, assessments and technical information help explain what a product is, how its performance is documented and which requirements it supports.
Examples include inspection certificates, DoP, ETA and technical data sheets.
Traceability
Can we identify and verify the product supplied?
Lot numbers, batch references, product identification and supply records help link physical goods to relevant manufacturing, inspection or delivery information.
The level of traceability depends on the product and agreed requirements.
Practical example: A test certificate may contain relevant inspection results, but the project team must still establish that the certificate can be linked to the particular products delivered when batch-level traceability is required.
Why this matters for steel construction projects
- Helps confirm that documentation relates to the actual supplied goods.
- Supports quality checks and customer acceptance procedures.
- Improves the reliability of project records and audit trails.
- Helps avoid confusion between similar products, grades or batches.
- Supports clearer handover information for future reference.
When should documentation be checked?
Document requirements should be confirmed before supply becomes urgent. Checking too late can cause unnecessary delays, particularly where technical approval or customer acceptance depends on the correct records.
Specification and design
Determine which standards, approvals, declarations and certificates are required for the intended product and application.
Before ordering
Confirm whether the required documentation is available for the selected product and whether specific traceability or inspection requirements can be met.
Delivery and quality control
Check that supplied product references, quantities, markings and relevant records correspond to the order and documentation requirements.
Project handover
Organise required declarations, certificates, technical records and traceability information into the agreed project documentation pack.
Best practice: Define certification and traceability requirements during specification or procurement. Do not assume that additional inspection documentation can always be obtained retrospectively after delivery.
Five checks for steel construction documentation
Use this checklist to help prevent missing, incorrect or unrelated documentation from affecting your project.
Confirm the specification
Identify the applicable product standard, intended use and project requirements.
Identify the documents
Determine whether you need a DoP, ETA, inspection certificate, technical sheet or other record.
Match the product
Check the product reference, grade, size, material, assembly and applicable document scope.
Confirm traceability
Establish whether batch, lot or source identification is required and available.
Prepare the project file
Confirm which records must be retained for quality review, audits and handover.
Procurement tip: Include specific documentation requirements in the purchasing specification or order enquiry. This gives the supplier an opportunity to confirm document availability before supply.
Common documentation mistakes in steel construction
Many documentation issues arise because different document types are treated as interchangeable or because the requirements are checked too late.
Assuming one certificate covers everything
An inspection certificate, ETA and DoP serve different purposes. Check the exact evidence required by the specification.
Waiting until delivery
Documentation that was not requested during procurement may not be available immediately or retrospectively.
Using documents for the wrong product
Even a genuine document may be unsuitable if it refers to a different grade, assembly, product version or intended use.
Overlooking final handover
Agree which records must be retained before completing the project, rather than collecting missing information at the last stage.
How Fabory supports documentation readiness
Fabory supports customers with structural fastening and anchoring product selection, documentation enquiries and product supply. Our approach helps engineers, buyers and quality teams connect the required products with the supporting information needed for their projects.
Product selection
Support when reviewing structural bolting assemblies, anchoring products and other steel construction fastening requirements.
Documentation enquiries
Help identifying relevant technical documentation and checking availability for selected products where applicable.
Project-focused supply
Support for product availability, procurement planning and coordination of the information needed to prepare project documentation.
Need a particular certificate? Contact Fabory with the product reference, specification, application, quantity and required document type so the relevant options can be checked before ordering.
Related steel construction technical guides
Certificates and documentation are part of a wider product-selection and compliance process. These resources help connect the requirements to the selected fastening application.
Frequently asked questions about certificates and documentation
What certificates are needed for steel construction fasteners?
The required documents depend on the product, applicable standards, intended use and project specification. They may include EN 10204 inspection certificates, Declarations of Performance, European Technical Assessments, product data sheets and traceability records. Confirm the exact requirements before ordering.
What is an EN 10204 type 3.1 certificate?
An EN 10204 type 3.1 certificate is an inspection document containing results of specific inspection. It is validated by the manufacturer's authorised inspection representative who is independent of the manufacturing department. Its suitability and availability should be checked for the product being ordered.
What is the difference between an ETA and a DoP?
An ETA provides a technical assessment of specified product performance for an intended use. A DoP communicates the performance declared by the manufacturer under the applicable construction product rules. They are related but serve different purposes.
Does CE marking replace a test certificate?
No. CE marking and inspection certificates have different purposes. CE marking relates to applicable conformity requirements, while inspection certificates provide the inspection information defined by the certificate type. Additional documentation may be required by the project specification.
Why is batch traceability important for structural fasteners?
Batch traceability can help connect delivered fasteners to identifiable product, manufacturing or inspection records. Where required, this supports quality assurance, verification, audits and project handover. The available traceability depends on the product and agreed supply requirements.
When should certificates and documentation be requested?
Documentation requirements should be confirmed before ordering, ideally during specification or procurement. This allows the relevant product, certificate type, document availability and traceability requirements to be checked before delivery.
Need help with certificates or steel construction documentation?
Contact Fabory for support with structural fasteners, anchoring products and the documentation requirements associated with your project.
Share your product specification and document requirements so we can help identify the appropriate next steps.
Creating peace of mind.