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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 significant role. The proportion of exported fasteners has remained high for a long time. However, most of the products being exported are low-end items, and their competitive edge is limited. This lack of quality and standard compliance often leads to problems in the international market.
It's well known that having a clear understanding of export standards is crucial for fastener companies. Unfortunately, many domestic manufacturers remain unaware of these standards or find it difficult to access and implement them properly.
At the 3rd China (Jiaxing) Fastener Industry Expo on October 9–10, Li Jian, a renowned expert in the fastener industry, delivered a special lecture and was interviewed by China Fastener News Network. He provided insights into the current standards governing fastener exports.
China Fastener News Network: Can you briefly explain the classification of the fastener standard system?
Li Jian: The fastener standard system can be divided into three main categories. First, there are international or regional standards. Second, national standards such as Chinese, German, or Japanese standards. Third, association or group standards. In China, we have some departmental standards, like those from the former Ministry of Machinery Industry. Examples of association standards include ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
China Fastener News Network: What is the biggest challenge for companies when dealing with export standards?
Li Jian: The biggest issue is that many companies are not familiar with American fastener standards. Even some industry experts struggle with this. When they encounter a U.S. standard, they often don’t know where to start. This is because U.S. standards differ significantly from the German or international standards that many are used to.
China Fastener News Network: What makes American standards different from others?
Li Jian: The key difference lies in the management structure. Unlike other countries where standards are managed by a single body, U.S. standards are governed by various industry associations. For example, mechanical performance standards are under ASTM, while size and thread standards fall under ASME.
China Fastener News Network: With so many associations setting different standards, isn't it confusing?
Li Jian: Not really. Those who are familiar with U.S. standards will find them quite comprehensive and systematic. In my book, "Standard Analysis of Fastener Export Products," I describe the U.S. system as “relative independence and interdependence.†While each association operates independently, they also work closely together. For instance, ASME handles size and thread standards, while ASTM focuses on mechanical properties and materials. There is some overlap, but the system is well-organized.
China Fastener News Network: How do you view the quality of fasteners exported by Chinese companies to the U.S. and Europe?
Li Jian: Fasteners may seem simple in shape and size, but they are actually complex. Many companies assume that if the product looks similar and fits the dimensions, it meets the requirements. However, what matters more is the internal performance. In the U.S., the focus is on the technical specifications rather than tight dimensional tolerances.
China Fastener News Network: Do you think Chinese fastener companies suffer losses due to standards?
Li Jian: Yes, a lot. A few years ago, a friend of mine called me about a problem with an exported product. The foreign customer claimed compensation, but he had no idea why. After checking the details, I told him, “You’ll just have to wait for someone to claim it!†Because he didn’t understand the standards. The product was a fiberboard nail, which requires carburized steel with around 0.2% carbon content. Instead, he used a lower carbon steel, resulting in poor mechanical properties and failure to meet the required standards.
China Fastener News Network: What’s your opinion on the fact that most of our fastener exports are low-end?
Li Jian: The majority of exported fasteners are indeed low-end, and prices are relatively low. But I believe that in terms of appearance and material quality, Chinese products can match or even exceed those from Europe and the U.S. The real issue is that Chinese companies are not well-versed in American standards, which limits their ability to compete at higher levels.
China Fastener News Network: Why are Chinese companies not familiar with U.S. standards?
Li Jian: There are two main reasons. First, the U.S. standard system involves multiple administrative bodies, making it complicated to navigate. For example, standards like ASME/ANSI, ASTM, and IFI are all separate entities. Second, the way standards are categorized in the U.S. is very broad, covering many product types under one number. In contrast, China’s standards are more detailed and specific.
Expert Profile:
Li Jian is a senior engineer and the editor-in-chief of the book "Standard Analysis of Fastener Export Products." He worked at the Standardization Office of the Shenyang Standard Parts Institute under the Ministry of Machinery Industry and served as a quality supervisor. He was involved in standard revisions and product quality management. After retirement, he worked in technical management roles at companies such as Beijing Shengtuo (Switzerland), Shanghai Shengbiao Trading Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Hanzhou International Trading Co., Ltd. He has extensive experience in fastener standardization, process design, quality control, and international trade.
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