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Li Jian: Most companies don't understand the standard of fasteners.
—Interview with Li Jian, an authoritative expert in fastener export standards, by China Fastener News Network
Since the development of the domestic fastener industry, exports have always played a crucial role. However, the majority of fasteners exported to foreign markets are low-end products, which limits their competitiveness and often puts companies at a disadvantage. This is partly due to a lack of awareness and understanding of international export standards among many Chinese manufacturers.
It's well known that fastener export standards are essential for successful international trade, yet many domestic companies remain unaware of these requirements. They struggle to keep up with the necessary regulations and often find themselves unable to meet the expectations of overseas buyers.
At the 3rd China (Jiaxing) Fastener Industry Expo held on October 9-10, Li Jian, a renowned expert in the fastener industry, gave a special lecture and was interviewed by China Fastener News Network. He provided insights into the current state of fastener export standards and shared his expertise on how companies can better navigate this complex landscape.
China Fastener News Network: Can you briefly explain the classification of the fastener standard system?
Li Jian: The fastener standard system is generally divided into three main categories. First, there are international or regional standards. Second, national standards such as those from China, Germany, and others. Third, association or group standards, like ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), which are widely recognized in the U.S.
China Fastener News Network: What is the biggest challenge for companies when it comes to export standards?
Li Jian: The biggest challenge is not understanding the American fastener standards. Many companies, even some experts, find it difficult to interpret U.S. standards because they differ significantly from the German or international standards that most Chinese firms are more familiar with.
China Fastener News Network: What is the main difference between American standards and other standards?
Li Jian: The key difference lies in the management system. Unlike other countries where standards are typically managed by a single authority, U.S. standards are handled by various industry associations. For example, mechanical performance standards are under ASTM, while size and thread standards are managed by ASME.
China Fastener News Network: Do different associations lead to confusion in the standard system?
Li Jian: Not really. While the system may seem complex, the U.S. standards are actually quite comprehensive and well-structured. In my book *Standard Analysis of Fastener Export Products*, I describe them as “relatively independent but interdependent.†Each association has its own focus, but there’s also overlap and collaboration between them.
China Fastener News Network: How do you view the quality of fasteners exported by Chinese companies to Europe and the U.S.?
Li Jian: Fasteners are relatively simple in design, so it’s easy to replicate the shape and size. But what people often overlook is the internal technical specifications. In the U.S., standards emphasize the performance and material properties rather than just dimensions, which can be a major point of failure if not properly understood.
China Fastener News Network: Do you think Chinese companies suffer losses due to non-compliance with product standards?
Li Jian: Definitely. A few years ago, a friend of mine had a problem with an exported product. The customer made a claim, and he didn’t know why. After checking, I told him, “You’ll just wait for someone to claim it!†Because he didn’t understand the standards. The product was a fiberboard nail, and the raw material should have been carburized steel with about 0.2% carbon, but he used a lower-carbon steel, leading to non-compliance with the required mechanical properties.
China Fastener News Network: Why do most of China’s fastener exports still fall into the low-end category?
Li Jian: The vast majority of exported fasteners are low-end and priced accordingly. However, in terms of appearance and material quality, our products can match or even exceed those from Europe and the U.S. The real issue is that many Chinese companies are unfamiliar with the American standards, which makes it hard to move up the value chain.
China Fastener News Network: What causes this lack of familiarity with U.S. standards?
Li Jian: There are two main reasons. First, the U.S. standard system is fragmented, with multiple administrative bodies involved, such as ASME, ANSI, and ASTM, making it complicated to navigate. Second, the way standards are categorized is very broad, covering many product types under one number, which contrasts with China’s more detailed approach.
Expert Profile:
Li Jian is a senior engineer and the editor-in-chief of *Standard Analysis of Fastener Export Products*. He worked at the Standardization Office of the Shenyang Standard Parts Institute and the Quality Supervision and Inspection Center of Fastener Products under the Ministry of Machinery Industry. He served as an executive director and was responsible for standard revision and product quality management. After retirement, he joined companies such as Beijing Shengtuo (Switzerland), Shanghai Shengbiao Trading Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Hanzhou International Trading Co., Ltd., providing technical support and management. With decades of experience in fastener standardization, process design, quality control, and international trade, Li Jian is a respected voice in the industry.
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