Article
Material that leaves a warehouse in perfect condition can arrive damaged after weeks at sea. Condensation in a container, a crushed bevel, or rust on a stainless surface contaminated by carbon steel can each make material unusable on arrival. Export packing is what prevents that, and it is worth specifying properly rather than leaving to chance.
Pipe
- End protection: plastic end caps on both ends protect bevels and threads and keep dirt out of the bore. For heavy bevelled pipe, steel bevel protectors are sometimes used.
- Bundling: smaller sizes are bundled in hexagonal or round bundles and strapped with steel or polyester bands. Strapping should not be tight enough to mark the pipe.
- Separation of stainless steel: stainless pipe must not touch carbon steel straps or tools directly; contact transfers iron particles that rust and stain the surface. Plastic sleeves or non-metallic strapping are used, or wood spacers between pipe and steel.
- Wrapping: stainless and finished pipe is often wrapped in plastic or hessian to protect the surface.
Flanges, fittings and fasteners
- Packed in wooden cases or crates, or on pallets, by size and grade.
- Flange faces protected by plastic or wooden covers, because a scratch across a raised face is a leak path.
- Small items and fasteners in cartons inside the case.
ISPM 15
Most countries require solid wood packaging, such as cases, pallets and dunnage, to be heat treated or fumigated and stamped with the ISPM 15 mark, to stop wood pests travelling between countries. Material arriving in unmarked wood packaging can be held at the port or re-exported. Plywood and other processed wood are exempt, which is why plywood cases are common.
Corrosion and moisture
Temperature swings in a container at sea cause condensation, often called container rain. Protection includes:
- VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) paper or film around carbon steel items.
- Desiccant bags in cases and containers.
- Rust-preventive oil or varnish on carbon steel, where the buyer accepts it.
Marking
Each item or bundle is marked with the specification, grade, size, heat number and, where required, the purchase order and item number. Each case is marked with its case number, gross and net weight, dimensions and the consignee, and a packing list is supplied that matches the markings exactly. Clear marking is what lets material be checked and released quickly at the destination.
What to put on the enquiry
The destination, any packing specification from your project, whether ISPM 15 wood is required, marking requirements, and whether pipe is to go in containers or as break-bulk. See our export page, or send the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How are stainless pipes packed for export?
Usually in hexagonal bundles or wooden boxes with end caps, separated from carbon steel and protected from moisture and contamination.
Do wooden crates need treatment?
Yes. Most countries require ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated and marked wood packaging.
Container or break-bulk for long pipes?
Standard 6 m lengths fit 20 ft containers; 12 m lengths need 40 ft containers or break-bulk shipping.
Key takeaways
- Packing must protect against impact, moisture and contamination.
- Use ISPM-15 wood and proper marking on every package.
- Agree container or break-bulk and length requirements at order stage.
Need these products?
Sawariya Metal Industries supplies stainless steel pipes, flanges and buttweld pipe fittings from Mumbai to buyers in India and overseas. Send your size, grade, standard and quantity through our enquiry form and we will reply with a clear quotation and the test documents you need. You can also browse our stainless steel pipes, flanges and buttweld fittings.