30 9 月, 2026
How Do I Read a Mill Test Certificate (MTC)?
A mill test certificate (MTC) reports the actual chemical and mechanical test results for the heat that made your steel. Read it in four steps: check the standard and grade, match the heat number to the goods, verify the chemical and mechanical values against the specification, and confirm the certificate type is the one your contract requires.
The fields that matter
| Field | What to check |
|---|---|
| Standard and grade | Names the exact standard (e.g. EN 10025 S355JR) and grade — it must match your purchase order |
| Heat / cast number | Must match the marking on the material and the other shipping documents |
| Chemical analysis | Actual values for C, Mn, Si, P, S and any alloying elements, versus the limits for the grade |
| Mechanical results | Yield, tensile, elongation and impact values, tested to the standard named |
| Certificate type | EN 10204 3.1 (mill-issued, actual results) or 3.2 (with independent verification) |
| Signature and stamp | Issued by the producing mill’s inspection department, not a blank template |
The four checks to run every time
- The standard and grade on the certificate match the purchase order, not a near equivalent
- The heat number on the certificate matches the marking on the goods and the packing list
- Each reported value falls within the limits for that grade, not just “conforms”
- The certificate type is the one the contract requires, and it is issued by the mill
Common traps
- A certificate that says “conforms to” without reporting values is not equivalent to a 3.1 certificate
- A certificate for a different heat may look correct until you match the number
- A copy supplied by a trading company should still be traceable to the producing mill
Related questions
See more answers in our Q&A and our steel knowledge base.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mill test certificate?
It is a document issued by the producing steel mill’s inspection department that reports the actual chemical and mechanical test results for the heat that made your material.
How do I check a mill test certificate?
Check four things: the standard and grade match your order, the heat number matches the goods, the reported values fall within the grade limits, and the certificate type is the one your contract requires.
Is a certificate that says conforms to enough?
No. A statement of conformity without actual test values is not the same as a certificate reporting the results for the heat. For critical applications require actual values to EN 10204 3.1 or better.
Still have a question about your order? Send the specification, quantity and destination port and we will answer it with the quotation. See our quality and inspection process, the product catalogue, or request a quotation.