China
Chinese standards used for many sheet metals, coils, tubes, profiles, and wires.
B2B Buying Guide
Steel Standards and Grades for International Purchasing
Identify the main categories of international standards and the information you need to confirm before requesting a quote.
Check my specificationsUnderstanding References
Six Commonly Encountered Standard Systems
The standard specifies the technical framework. The grade identifies the material within that framework. Both are useful for preparing a reliable proposal.
Europe
Current European standards for structural steels, flat products, and tubes.
United States
U.S. specifications are widely required in international projects and procurement.
Japan
Common Japanese designations for flat steel, galvanized steel, and steel tubes.
Germany
Former and current German references that still appear in certain specifications.
International
International standards used either on their own or in conjunction with a national or regional product standard.
Key Figures by Product Family
References to be specified based on the product
This selection serves as a starting point. The version of the standard, the exact grade, and the project requirements must be confirmed before placing an order.
| Family | Frequently Requested Standards | Examples of shades or designations | To be confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon sheets and coils | GB/T 700, GB/T 1591, EN 10025, ASTM A36 / A572, JIS G3101 | Q235B, Q355B, S235JR, S355JR, A36, SS400 | Thickness, width, delivery condition, tolerance, and surface |
| Galvanized sheet metal and coils | GB/T 2518, EN 10346, ASTM A653/A653M, JIS G3302 | DX51D+Z, SGCC, and equivalent designations as needed | Zinc casting, blooming, passivation, oiling, and finishing |
| Tubes and Hollow Profiles | GB/T 6728, EN 10219, ASTM A500/A500M, JIS G3466 | Q235, Q355, S235JRH, S355J2H, Grade B / C | Cross-section, external dimensions, thickness, weld, and length |
| Stainless steel | GB/T 3280, EN 10088, ASTM A240/A240M, JIS G4304 / G4305 | 304, 304L, 316L, 430, 1.4301, 1.4404, SUS304 | Shade, finish, flatness, surface protection, and use |
| Corrugated Sheets and Roofing | Standard galvanized or pre-painted substrate, plus agreed-upon profile | Galvanized, Galvalume, or pre-painted, depending on the market | Profile, effective width, thickness, coating, color, and length |
| Wire and nails | Product reference to be determined based on intended use and market | Galvanized wire, annealed black wire, black nails, or roofing nails | Diameter, strength, coating, length, head, and packaging |
Indicative Comparisons
Similar designations; check them one by one
These groupings facilitate business discussions. They are not a substitute for the text of the standard or the technical validation of your project.
Q235B · S235JR · SS400 · ASTM A36
Similar general applications, but different chemical, mechanical, and inspection requirements.
Q355B · S355JR · ASTM A572 Grade 50
Standard dimensions for stronger structures, subject to thickness and condition upon delivery.
304 · 1.4301 · SUS304
These designations are often used interchangeably for 304 stainless steel; confirmation is required based on the product's form and the applicable standard.
316L · 1.4404 · SUS316L
Standard specifications for more corrosive environments; requirements must be verified based on the specific application.
Preparing a Feasible Proposal
Information That Helps Avoid Unfair Comparisons
The more specific your request is, the more comparable the offers you receive will be.
- Product and UseProduct family, application, and intended use.
- Standard and GradeFull reference and version, if required.
- Dimensions and TolerancesThickness, width, length, diameter, or cross-sectional area.
- Surface and FinishFinish, zinc, color, oil treatment, or protective coating.
- Quantity and PackagingWeight, units, packages, labeling, and handling.
- Inspections and DocumentsMTC, photos, or inspection, depending on the product and the agreement.
Your request
Do you have a standard, a shade, or a drawing that needs to be checked?
Please send us the product details, dimensions, quantity, and destination port. We will help you clarify any necessary details before providing a quote.