EN, ASTM, JIS: Global Standards for Stainless Steel Tubes Compared

In the global industrial and construction sectors, stainless steel pipes are widely used in industries such as petrochemicals, food processing, pharmaceutical equipment, building structures, and automotive manufacturing. To ensure the quality, performance, and interchangeability of stainless steel pipes, different countries and regions have developed their own standard systems. EN (European Norms), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) are currently the three most representative stainless steel pipe standard systems internationally. This article will comprehensively compare the similarities and differences among these three standard systems in terms of scope of application, material grades, manufacturing requirements, testing methods, and applicable industries, providing you with a basis for material selection and technical reference.

Introduction to Standard Systems

1.EN Standards (European Norm)

EN standards are issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and are commonly used in EU member states and European Economic Area countries. Common stainless steel pipe standards include:

• EN 10217: Welded steel pipes (for pressure equipment)
• EN 10216: Seamless steel pipes (for pressure applications)
• EN 10296: Stainless steel pipes for mechanical structures
• EN 10357: Stainless steel pipes for the food industry

2.ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM standards are widely used in the Americas, the Middle East, and international projects. Common stainless steel pipe standards include:

• ASTM A312: Stainless steel seamless/welded pipes for high-temperature service
• ASTM A249: Stainless steel welded pipes for heat exchangers
• ASTM A269: Stainless steel pipes for general industrial use

ASTM A213: Alloy steel seamless pipes for boilers and heat exchangers

3.JIS Standards (Japanese Industrial Standard)

JIS is a national standard system developed by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee, widely used in East Asian and Southeast Asian markets. Common stainless steel pipe standards include:

• JIS G3459: General-purpose stainless steel pipes
• JIS G3463: Stainless steel pipes for boilers and heat exchangers
• JIS G3448: Stainless steel pipes for building plumbing

Comparison of Material Grades

In different standard systems, stainless steel material numbers and designations vary, but their correspondences are clear. The table below lists the comparison of commonly used austenitic stainless steels：

EN standards use numerical steel numbers in the form of 1.XXXX, ASTM uses UNS numbers (e.g., S30400), and JIS customarily uses the SUS prefix. Understanding these corresponding relationships is helpful for material selection and international trade communication.

Differences in Manufacturing Processes and Testing Requirements

1. Dimensional Tolerances

• EN standards typically provide stricter specifications for dimensional tolerances, especially in EN 10216 and EN 10296, which have high requirements for the control of wall thickness, outer diameter, and ovality.
• ASTM standards focus more on the adaptability of mechanical properties to service conditions, with relatively flexible tolerance requirements.
• JIS standards fall between the two, with particular emphasis on appearance and surface treatment for building pipes.

2. Heat Treatment and Welding Requirements

• EN standards require standardized annealing or solution treatment, which should be reflected in the manufacturer’s declaration.
• ASTM has clear regulations on non-destructive testing and heat treatment of welded joints (e.g., A312 requires solution treatment and provision of NDT reports).
• JIS emphasizes matching actual service scenarios, often used in medium-pressure and low-temperature applications.

3. Testing Items

Applicable Industries and Regional Preferences

• EN standards are more suitable for European construction, pressure vessel, machinery manufacturing, and food industry projects. EU purchasers or third-party certifications (e.g., CE) generally require EN standards.
• ASTM standards are often used in North American, Middle Eastern, and international petrochemical, power, and energy projects, and are common in international EPC projects.
• JIS standards dominate the Japanese domestic market and are also widely adopted in projects in some Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia).

How to Select the Appropriate Stainless Steel Pipe Standard?

When selecting a standard, comprehensive consideration should be given to project requirements, service environment, and customer needs:

1. Export projects: Prioritize ASTM or EN standards for easier international certification;
2. Food and pharmaceutical equipment: Prefer EN 10357 or ASTM A270 to ensure cleanliness standards;
3. High-temperature and high-pressure equipment: ASTM A312 or EN 10216 are more reliable;
4. Supply chains in Asian regions: JIS standards facilitate local procurement and replacement.

Conclusion

The three major standard systems (EN, ASTM, and JIS) each have their own characteristics in the field of stainless steel pipes. Whether pursuing mechanical properties, safety and reliability, or focusing on surface treatment and piping precision, choosing the right standard is key to ensuring project quality and reducing risks. Familiarity with their corresponding relationships and technical details will help enterprises enhance their competitiveness in the global market.