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　　The Ultimate Checklist for Ordering Steel: Understanding Delivery Conditions & GB/T 17505-2016In international steel trading, miscommunication is the biggest risk. When sourcing steel from China, ensuring that the final product meets your processing and end-use requirements depends entirely on the clarity of your Purchase Order (PO).According to the standard GB/T 17505-2016 (General technical requirements for delivery of steel and steel products), simply stating the steel grade is not enough. You must define the Delivery Condition.This guide explains what "Delivery Condition" means and provides a 10-point checklist to ensure your contract covers every critical detail.

　　H2: What is "Delivery Condition" and Why Does It Matter?The Delivery Condition refers to the final heat treatment or plastic deformation status of the steel when it is handed over to the buyer. This state determines the steel's internal structure, hardness, machinability, and mechanical properties.Common delivery conditions include:As Rolled (AR): No special heat treatment. Cost-effective, suitable for general construction.Normalized (N): Refines grain structure for better toughness.Annealed (A): Softens the steel for easier machining.Quenched and Tempered (QT): Provides high strength and good ductility.Pro Tip: If you do not specify the delivery condition in your contract, manufacturers will typically supply the steel in the "As Rolled" condition, which might not be suitable for your specific application.

　　H2: The 10 Essential Elements of a Steel Purchase OrderTo comply with GB/T 17505-2016 and avoid disputes, your contract or order sheet must include the following 10 technical details:1. Quantity and Mass

　　Be specific about the volume.

　　Weight: Specify if the price is based on Theoretical Weight or Actual Weight (weighed on scale).Length & Count: Total pieces, length per piece (fixed or random length).Area: Essential for steel plates.2. Product Shape

　　For profiles or custom shapes, text descriptions can be ambiguous. Always reference a specific Drawing Number if available.

　　3. Nominal Dimensions

　　Clearly state the standard dimensions (Thickness, Width, Diameter, etc.).

　　4. Tolerances

　　Define the acceptable range for dimensions and weight.

　　Example: "Thickness tolerance: +/- 0.5mm."5. Steel Grade (Designation)

　　The exact chemical composition code (e.g., Q235B, SS400, S355JR, 4140).

　　6. Delivery Condition (Crucial)

　　This is the most overlooked part. You must specify:

　　Heat Treatment: Normalized, Annealed, or QT?Surface Treatment: Pickled, Sandblasted, Polished, or Oiled?7. Surface and Internal Quality

　　Do you have special requirements?

　　Surface: Free from cracks, scabs, or laps.Internal: Ultrasonic Testing (UT) requirements (e.g., SEP 1921 Class C/c).8. Inspection Documents (MTC)

　　What type of certification do you need?

　　Mill Test Certificate (MTC): Usually EN 10204 3.1.Third-Party Inspection (TPI): Do you require SGS/BV inspection before shipment?9. Quality Management System

　　You can request that the manufacturer operates under a specific quality system, such as ISO 9001.

　　10. Packing, Marking, and Transport

　　Critical for sea freight to prevent rust and damage.

　　Packing: Seaworthy packing, wooden crates, or waterproof wrapping.Marking: Heat numbers, color codes, and labels.Transport: Container or Break Bulk?

　　H2: Consult Your ManufacturerThe standard explicitly states: "When necessary, the manufacturer's opinion can be sought."If you are unsure which delivery condition is best for your final product (e.g., making gears, shafts, or structural frames), talk to us. As an experienced supplier, we can recommend the most cost-effective grade and processing state for your needs.

　　H2: ConclusionA clear contract is the foundation of a successful import business. By following the GB/T 17505-2016 framework, you protect your investment and ensure the steel you receive is exactly what you ordered.At [Your Company Name], we specialize in high-quality steel exports. We understand international standards and ensure every detail of your order—from heat treatment to seaworthy packing—is executed perfectly.Ready to place an order? Contact our team today for a quote!