For international steel purchasing, quality control is most useful when requirements are written clearly and the supporting records can be connected to the shipped material.
What is an MTC?
A Material Test Certificate is a document used to report material identification and test information for a supplied batch. The exact content depends on the material, standard, mill, and agreed document requirement.
Before placing an order, buyers should confirm which certificate format is required and whether the project needs a specific standard such as an EN 10204 document type.
Heat-number traceability
Where heat-number traceability is required, the material identification, certificate, marking, and shipment records should be reviewed as one chain.
A buyer should clarify:
- Whether heat numbers must appear on the material or labels.
- How mixed heats or lots should be separated.
- Which documents must reference the heat or lot number.
- Whether photos or other evidence are required before shipment.
Dimensional inspection
Nominal size alone is not enough when tolerances matter. The purchase specification should identify the dimensions and tolerances that require confirmation.
Depending on the product, inspection may include thickness, width, length, diameter, wall thickness, flatness, straightness, or other agreed characteristics.
Surface and visual checks
Surface requirements should use language that both buyer and supplier can verify. When finish, coating, appearance, edge condition, rust prevention, or protective film matters, include the requirement in the quotation and order documents.
Inspection photos can support communication, but photos do not replace an agreed specification or formal test record.
Third-party inspection
If a third-party inspection organization is required, agree the scope and timing before production or shipment.
The order should make clear:
- Who appoints the inspector.
- Which tests or checks are included.
- Which standard or acceptance criteria apply.
- When inspection must occur.
- Who is responsible for inspection-related cost.
Packing and loading records
For export shipments, buyers may also request evidence of packing and loading. Useful records can include product labels, bundles or coils before loading, container condition, loading sequence, reinforcement, and final container closure.
The required evidence should be agreed in advance so the supplier can prepare it during the correct stage of the order.
Put the requirement into the RFQ
The most reliable approach is to include document and inspection requirements in the initial RFQ together with the grade, standard, dimensions, quantity, destination, and packing needs.
That allows the quotation to reflect the requested quality-control scope instead of treating it as an afterthought.
Turn the material requirement into an RFQ.
Review the product index or send grade, dimensions, quantity, destination and document requirements to the export desk.