Documents to Request From a Steel Supplier (and Why Each Matters)
The documents to request from steel suppliers in Saudi Arabia: mill test certificates, SASO conformity, packing lists, VAT invoices, coating certificates, test reports and CR.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: Request a VAT-compliant invoice, delivery note or packing list, EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates traceable to heat numbers, SASO conformity documents where required, coating certificates for galvanized or painted steel, and any specified test reports such as UT, impact or hydrotest.
Paperwork decides whether steel is accepted on site. Missing or inconsistent documents can stop a delivery from being used even when the steel itself is fine. Here is what to ask for and why.
Commercial documents
Commercial Registration (CR) and VAT certificate. Confirms you are dealing with a registered Saudi business and that VAT invoices will be valid.
Quotation and purchase order. Should state grade, standard, quantities, weight basis, delivery terms and certificate type.
VAT invoice. Must meet ZATCA requirements, including the supplier's VAT number. Most businesses must issue electronic invoices.
Delivery note / packing list. Lists items, sizes, quantities, bundle numbers and heat numbers in each delivery.
Quality documents
Mill test certificate (MTC). The most important technical document. For structural and pressure steel, request EN 10204 type 3.1, which reports actual test results for the delivered material. For critical projects, type 3.2 adds independent validation. Details in mill test certificates explained.
SASO conformity documentation. Several steel products — notably reinforcing bar — must comply with SASO technical regulations. See SASO certification for steel products.
Coating certificates. For galvanized products, a coating mass or thickness report (e.g. to ISO 1461 or ASTM A123). For painted steel, dry film thickness records and the paint system data sheet.
Test reports. Where specified: ultrasonic testing of plates, Charpy impact results, hydrostatic test records for pipe, NDT reports, PMI results for alloys.
Trade documents (imports)
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of origin | Customs and origin requirements |
| Bill of lading | Proof of shipment and title |
| Commercial invoice | Customs valuation |
| Inspection certificate | Pre-shipment checks if required |
Matching documents to steel
Documents are only useful if they match the material. On delivery:
- Read the heat number stamped or stencilled on the steel.
- Find the same heat number on the certificate.
- Check grade, dimensions and test results against your specification.
If heat numbers do not match, quarantine the material until resolved. Our steel quality inspection checklist walks through the full process.
Keep a document register
Create a register listing each delivery, its items, heat numbers and linked certificates. This makes fabrication traceability and final handover far easier.
When you request a quotation from us, the documents for each line are stated up front.