Technical guide
Importing steel tube from China: a first-order checklist
Most first orders go wrong on specification wording and packing, not on price. This is the sequence that keeps a container clean from quotation to arrival.
Technical guide
Most first orders go wrong on specification wording and packing, not on price. This is the sequence that keeps a container clean from quotation to arrival.
A quotation is only comparable when the specification is identical. Insist on:
Two quotes that differ by 8 % are usually two different wall tolerances, not two prices for the same tube.
Practical minimums from our mill:
| Item | Practical minimum |
|---|---|
| Per size, per wall | 1 bundle ≈ 2–3 t (one mill run) |
| Mixed sizes | 1 × 20GP ≈ 25 t; 1 × 40HQ ≈ 25–27 t |
| Cut-to-length parts | From 1 t if the cut list is fixed |
| Galvanised | + 3–5 days for the bath batch |
Steel is heavy, so containers cube out on weight long before volume. A 40HQ of 200×200×8 is about 43 lengths — plan the mix around weight, not floor space.
Every heat ships with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate: chemistry, tensile, yield, elongation, impact where applicable, and dimensional results, all traceable to the heat number stamped on the bundle.
Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) is booked 7 days before the loading date. Cheapest arrangement is inspection at our yard during loading — the inspector sees the bundles, the certificate and the container being stuffed.
Rust in transit is almost always condensation, not rain: specify dry container, desiccant bags for coated orders, and avoid loading warm tube in humid weather.
Standard terms: 30 % deposit, 70 % against the bill of lading copy, T/T. L/C at sight above USD 50,000. Documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, mill certificate 3.1, certificate of origin (Form A/E if your country has an agreement).
Incoterms as quoted: EXW, FOB Qingdao/Tianjin, CFR or CIF. For a first order, FOB is the simplest — you control the forwarder and see the real freight cost.
One bundle per size, roughly 2–3 t; or a mixed 20GP of about 25 t if you want to test several sizes at once.
Stock sizes 3–7 days to port; made-to-order 15–25 days depending on grade and coating.
Yes — third-party inspection before loading is normal, and we send loading photos and the packing list before the balance is due.