Quality · certificates, EN standards, packing marks

Aluminium Extrusion Certificates and Standards Explained (EN 755, EN 12020, ISPM 15)

Q: Do your profiles meet reach and rohs requirements

Aluminium profiles in the common 6xxx alloys are supplied with REACH and RoHS statements on request for the metal and standard anodising chemistry. Declarations reference the lot or process family; attach the request to the RFQ so the document pack ships with the 3.1 certificate.

Q: What is the mill certificate and what does it prove

The mill / EN 10204 3.1 certificate proves chemical composition and mechanical properties for the cast/heat behind the bars, with traceability to the delivered lot. It does not by itself prove dimensional tolerance — that requires EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2 on the PO and measured inspection.

Q: Which en standard applies to anodised aluminium profiles

Use EN ISO 7599 for the anodic coating, with AA15 or AA20 named, clear or black. Keep EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2) for the extruded metal dimensions. Both belong on an anodised PO.

Q: Which certificate do I need for a first import

Minimum pack: EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, PO citing EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2 if applicable), EN ISO 7599 + AA class if anodised, and ISPM 15 marked timber packing. Add REACH/RoHS if your customs broker or end customer requires them.

Q: Is the anodising food safe

Standard architectural/industrial AA15/AA20 anodising to EN ISO 7599 is not automatically a food-contact certification. If the profile will contact food, state that use on the RFQ so the correct coating system and declaration can be assessed; do not assume industrial black or clear anodising is food-safe.

On every RFQ, ask for three documents by name: an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, a PO that cites EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2 for dimensions, and packing with an ISPM 15 IPPC mark on the timber cradle. Those three files answer alloy, tolerance and phytosanitary questions before the container opens.

Three files: 3.1 mill · tolerance standard · ISPM 15
Anodising: EN ISO 7599 AA15 / AA20
Also used: GB/T 6892 on China lots
Read: 10 minutes

Short answer

EN 755-9 is the default dimensional and form tolerance standard for general extruded profiles (circumscribing circle up to 800 mm). EN 12020-2 is a separate, tighter precision standard that applies only when the alloy is EN AW-6060 or 6063, the circumscribing circle is ≤350 mm, mass is ≤10 kg/m and the thickest-to-thinnest wall ratio is ≤3.5 — failing any one condition returns the section to EN 755-9. Anodised surfaces are specified to EN ISO 7599 at AA15 or AA20, clear or black. Material identity is proven with an EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate; export timber cradles carry the ISPM 15 IPPC mark, with plywood cases for cut lengths under 3 m. GB/T 6892 may appear alongside EN designations on China-mill paperwork.

Ask for the 3.1 mill certificate, the named tolerance standard and the ISPM 15 packing mark — three files, not a vague “we are certified”.

Mill test certificate documents beside aluminium extrusion coupons and hardness tester — EN 10204 3.1 ties heat/cast identity and mechanical results to the delivered bars.

Does 2020 comply with en 755-9

Yes — a standard 20×20 T-slot in EN AW-6063 (and the other common sections below) is supplied to EN 755-9 dimensional and form tolerances when that standard is named on the purchase order.

Compliance is not automatic from the catalogue outline alone: the PO must cite EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2 when the four precision conditions are met). Cross-section, wall, length, straightness, twist and angularity are then measurable against the standard. GB/T 6892 may be listed in parallel for China-mill lots without replacing the EN reference you will use in a claim. The table applies the same answer to every size buyers swap into the question.

Section	Typical alloy	EN 755-9	PO must say	EN 12020-2 note
100×100	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
160×80	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
20×20	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
30×30	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
40×40	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
40×80	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
45×45	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
45×90	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
50×50	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
80×80	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met
90×90	EN AW-6063-T5 / T6 typical	Yes — general engineering profile under EN 755-9	Name EN 755-9 + critical dims on PO	EN 12020-2 only if 6060/6063 and all four precision conditions met

What surface treatment standard applies to anodised 2020

Anodised 20×20 — and every other anodised T-slot size — is specified to EN ISO 7599 with an AA15 or AA20 thickness class, clear or black, not to EN 755-9.

EN 755-9 governs extruded metal dimensions; EN ISO 7599 governs the anodic coating. Name both on an anodised PO. Bath-lot identity on the packing list lets you keep visible faces on one colour lot. Coating thickness checks and adhesion/visual class belong with the finish paperwork, separate from the 3.1 mill certificate for the billet.

Section	Finish standard	Class & colour	Traceability	Documents
Anodised 100×100	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 160×80	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 20×20	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 30×30	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 40×40	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 40×80	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 45×45	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 45×90	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 50×50	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 80×80	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class
Anodised 90×90	EN ISO 7599	AA15 or AA20 clear / black	Bath-lot ID on packing list	Coating thickness cert + visual class

What is the difference between en 755-9 and en 12020-2

EN 755-9 and EN 12020-2 are two different tolerance systems — general engineering versus precision — not an old and a new edition of the same document.

EN 755-9 covers extruded profiles for general use with a circumscribing circle up to 800 mm and tolerances graded by alloy group. EN 12020-2 covers precision profiles, mainly in EN AW-6060 and 6063, with tighter limits and stricter visible-surface expectations, but only when CCD ≤350 mm, mass ≤10 kg/m and wall ratio ≤3.5. If any condition fails, the section stays under EN 755-9 even if someone wrote “precision” in an email. Form tolerances (straightness, twist, angularity) exist in both and cause more site rejections than a single wall reading. For die cost and lead-time context when a tighter class forces process changes, see how die cost amortises per meter and die making adds 7–12 days.

Can you provide a 3.1 material certificate

Yes — an EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate is issued for production lots when requested on the order, stating chemical composition and mechanical results with heat/cast traceability.

Type 3.1 is validated by the manufacturer’s authorised inspection representative independent of the production department. Ask for it on the RFQ so sampling is planned; retroactive certificates after the billet trail is cold are slower and sometimes impossible. The 3.1 proves alloy and temper identity; it does not replace naming EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2 for dimensions, and it does not replace EN ISO 7599 for anodising thickness.

Can i audit your factory before signing

Yes — serious importers and distributors may schedule a pre-contract factory audit covering press, die shop, anodising line, inspection and packing.

Audits typically review ISO-style quality procedures, EN 755-9 / EN ISO 7599 work instructions, 3.1 certificate issuance, ISPM 15 timber control and capacity (about 600 t/month extrusion with in-house anodising). NDA and agenda should be agreed before the visit. Remote video walk-throughs can precede a first PO when travel is delayed; they do not replace a signed quality agreement on standards and claim windows.

What certifications do you hold for aluminium extrusion

Buyers should require process and product evidence by document name — ISO 9001-style quality system, EN 10204 3.1 lot certificates, dimensional supply to EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2 when applicable), anodising to EN ISO 7599, and ISPM 15 packing — rather than a single vague “certified” claim.

For structural construction products into the EU/UK, ask whether an EN 15088 factory production control / CE route applies to that specific plant and alloy scope; many T-slot MRO shipments are general engineering supply under EN 755-9 without CE marking. Packing: ISPM 15 timber cradle with IPPC mark for long bars; plywood case for cut lengths under 3 m. New custom sections still need minimum order with a new die and clear who owns the die wording before audit findings turn into a blank PO.

RFQ checklist — certificates

3.1 mill certificate — EN 10204, heat/cast traceable.
Tolerance standard — EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2 (check four conditions).
Anodising — EN ISO 7599 + AA15 / AA20 + colour.
Packing — ISPM 15 IPPC mark or plywood case <3 m.
Optional — factory audit date; REACH/RoHS declaration.

List the three mandatory files on the RFQ. We return the document set that will ship with the lot.

Four certificate mistakes

Confusing EN 755-9 with EN 12020-2Precision class is conditional; most T-slot sits under EN 755-9.

Accepting “we are certified”Ask for document names, standard numbers and lot IDs.

Skipping ISPM 15Untreated timber cradles fail phytosanitary checks at many ports.

No AA class on anodisingEN ISO 7599 without AA15/AA20 leaves thickness undefined.

Related on this site

how die cost amortises per meter — cost when tighter class changes process
minimum order with a new die — sample lots for certificate trials
die making adds 7–12 days — calendar before first certified bars
who owns the die — tooling before audit becomes PO

Terms used in this article

EN 755-9: Dimensional and form tolerances for general extruded aluminium profiles.
EN 12020-2: Tighter precision tolerances for qualifying 6060/6063 profiles.
EN 10204 3.1: Inspection certificate with manufacturer’s independent validation of test results.
EN ISO 7599: Anodising specification; pair with AA thickness class.
ISPM 15: Phytosanitary rules for wood packaging; IPPC mark on treated timber.

Questions buyers ask

Do your profiles meet reach and rohs requirements

Aluminium profiles in the common 6xxx alloys are supplied with REACH and RoHS statements on request for the metal and standard anodising chemistry. Declarations reference the lot or process family; attach the request to the RFQ so the document pack ships with the 3.1 certificate.

What is the mill certificate and what does it prove

The mill / EN 10204 3.1 certificate proves chemical composition and mechanical properties for the cast/heat behind the bars, with traceability to the delivered lot. It does not by itself prove dimensional tolerance — that requires EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2 on the PO and measured inspection.

Which en standard applies to anodised aluminium profiles

Use EN ISO 7599 for the anodic coating, with AA15 or AA20 named, clear or black. Keep EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2) for the extruded metal dimensions. Both belong on an anodised PO.

Which certificate do I need for a first import

Minimum pack: EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, PO citing EN 755-9 (or EN 12020-2 if applicable), EN ISO 7599 + AA class if anodised, and ISPM 15 marked timber packing. Add REACH/RoHS if your customs broker or end customer requires them.

Is the anodising food safe

Standard architectural/industrial AA15/AA20 anodising to EN ISO 7599 is not automatically a food-contact certification. If the profile will contact food, state that use on the RFQ so the correct coating system and declaration can be assessed; do not assume industrial black or clear anodising is food-safe.

Also searched as: EN 755-9 vs EN 12020-2, aluminium extrusion 3.1 certificate, EN ISO 7599 AA15 AA20, ISPM 15 aluminium packing, mill certificate aluminium profile, factory audit extrusion China, REACH RoHS aluminium profiles.

List the three documents on your RFQ

Name 3.1 mill certificate, EN 755-9 or EN 12020-2, and ISPM 15 packing (plus EN ISO 7599 + AA class if anodised). We confirm the document pack that will travel with the shipment.

Request a certificate pack checklist