Q:Should I ask the supplier to provide a material certificate along with the shipment when purchasing steel?

Yes, when purchasing steel, the supplier should provide a material certificate along with the goods. This is both a regulatory requirement and standard practice in the steel trade. The material certificate serves as the steel's "ID card," recording key information such as the batch number, heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical properties; it is the essential document verifying that the steel meets quality standards, contractual terms, and national specifications.
Procurement contracts should explicitly require the supplier to provide the original manufacturer's material certificate bearing an official company seal. Upon receipt of the goods, it is crucial to verify that the heat and batch numbers on the certificate match those on the physical tags attached to the steel, and to ensure that the seal and data on the certificate are complete and legible. If you have any doubts regarding the authenticity of the material certificate, you may also request third-party testing to verify the goods.

Time：06/08/2026 16:10:22