| Product Compliance and Technical Capability |
| Section accuracy | IPE dimensions, mass and tolerances | Section geometry shall conform to EN 10365:2017, with dimensional and shape tolerances checked against EN 10034. | Dimensional inspection report covering nominal depth, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness, straightness and mass per metre. | Critical |
| Steel grade availability | Grade, yield strength and impact designation | Grade shall match the project specification, such as S235JR, S275JR or S355JR under EN 10025-2. The “JR” designation requires impact testing at +20°C under the applicable standard. | Approved mill test certificate showing grade, chemical composition, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation and impact-test results where applicable. | Critical |
| Mechanical properties | Yield strength, tensile strength and elongation | Mechanical test values shall meet the selected EN 10025-2 grade and the thickness range of the supplied beam. | Heat-specific EN 10204 Type 3.1 inspection certificate and independent laboratory confirmation for high-risk projects. | Critical |
| Chemical composition | Carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur and carbon equivalent | Values shall remain within the limits specified for the ordered grade and product thickness under EN 10025-2. | Heat analysis on the mill certificate, carbon-equivalent calculation and welding suitability review by the project engineer. | Critical |
| Surface condition | Rust, scale, laminations and visible defects | Material shall be free from defects that impair structural use, fabrication or the specified coating system. Acceptance criteria should be written into the purchase order. | Pre-shipment photographs, visual inspection records and, where specified, ultrasonic testing or other non-destructive testing records. | Critical |
| Weldability | Carbon equivalent and welding documentation | Carbon equivalent shall be reviewed against the applicable grade, thickness and welding procedure. Welding shall follow the project-approved method statement. | Heat analysis, carbon-equivalent formula, welding procedure specification and any required preheating recommendation. | Critical |
| Documentation and Traceability |
| Heat traceability | Heat number and bundle identification | Each bundle should remain traceable to the corresponding heat number, section size, grade and production batch from loading through site receipt. | Bundle list, permanent or weather-resistant markings, packing photographs and matching heat numbers on the inspection certificate. | Critical |
| Inspection certificate | Certificate type and data completeness | EN 10204 Type 3.1 is the normal minimum for many structural-steel projects; Type 3.2 may be specified when independent validation is required. | Certificate issued by the manufacturer and reviewed or validated according to the contract inspection plan. | Critical |
| Quality management | Quality management system | A current ISO 9001 certificate is a useful management-system indicator, but it does not replace product testing or project-specific inspection. | Valid certificate, certification scope, issuing body and expiry date; verify that the scope covers steel production, processing or distribution as relevant. | Standard |
| Conformity assessment | Project and market requirements | For construction products placed on markets requiring it, confirm the applicable conformity route, declaration requirements and execution-class obligations before purchase. | Declaration of performance or other legally required conformity documents, together with project-specific compliance records. | Critical |
| International Supply and Logistics |
| Export documentation | Commercial and customs documentation | Supplier shall be able to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin where required, transport document and complete product certificates. | Sample document set reviewed before order placement; confirm consistency of quantities, HS classification, weights and shipping marks. | Critical |
| Packaging and marking | Bundle stability and identification | Bundles shall be secured for the agreed transport mode and marked with size, grade, quantity, gross weight, net weight and heat or batch reference. | Packing specification, bundle drawing, loading photographs and maximum bundle weight accepted by the carrier or destination facility. | Critical |
| Incoterms clarity | Delivery point and transfer of risk | The quotation should state the named place and Incoterms® rule, such as EXW, FOB, CFR or CIF, with responsibilities for freight, insurance, export clearance and unloading clearly defined. | Commercial quotation and purchase contract using the current Incoterms® rules applicable to the transaction. | Critical |
| Production and delivery planning | Available stock, rolling schedule and shipment sequence | Supplier shall distinguish between ex-stock material and mill production, provide a realistic dispatch schedule and identify any size or grade constraints before contract award. | Stock list or production plan, confirmed quantity by size, loading schedule and written exception list. | Important |
| Pre-shipment inspection | Inspection hold points | For large or high-risk projects, include document review, quantity verification, dimensional checks, visual inspection and marking verification before shipment. | Inspection and test plan, signed release note, photographs and third-party inspection report when specified by the buyer. | Critical |
| Commercial and Risk Evaluation |
| Quotation completeness | Price basis and inclusions | Quotation should identify section size, grade, standard, quantity, unit of measure, tolerance basis, certificate type, coating status, delivery term, validity and exclusions. | Line-by-line quotation matched against the bill of materials and technical specification. | Critical |
| Cost comparability | Total landed cost | Compare material price, inland transport, export charges, ocean freight, insurance, customs duties, port fees, inland delivery and inspection costs—not only the mill price. | Landed-cost worksheet using the same currency, delivery point, quantity basis and exchange-rate date for all quotations. | Critical |
| Payment and security | Payment milestones and financial exposure | Payment terms should be linked to verifiable milestones such as order confirmation, document approval, inspection release and shipment, subject to the buyer’s risk policy. | Draft sales contract, approved banking details, refund or remedy provisions and documentary requirements. | Important |
| Claims and remedy process | Non-conforming material response | Contract should define notification periods, evidence requirements, replacement or credit procedures, responsibility for return freight and applicable governing law. | Warranty and claims clause, non-conformance procedure and documented escalation contacts. | Critical |
| Environmental information | Recycled content, emissions and responsible sourcing | Environmental claims should be supported by verifiable evidence. An independently verified Environmental Product Declaration may be used when required by the project or green-building assessment. | EPD where available, product carbon-footprint data, environmental certificates and supply-chain due-diligence records. | Important |
