Buyer questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions that come up before a first order. Each one links through to the page with the full detail.
Ordering, quantities and lead times
What's your minimum order quantity?
From 1 tonne on sizes already held in stock in Wuhan — bundles are broken to order, which covers repair-yard quantities of a few plates. A full 20ft container holds roughly 25 tonnes. Sizes not in stock are rolled to order, subject to the mill's minimum batch for that grade.
How long does delivery take?
3–7 days ex-warehouse for stock material. 30–45 days for a mill order in a standard grade and size. 45–60 days for a non-standard size or a low-temperature grade requiring impact testing. The inland leg from Wuhan to the port of loading (1–5 days) is already included in these figures.
What if the grade or size I need isn't in stock?
It's rolled to order at the WISCO mill against the minimum batch for that grade and size, confirmed on enquiry. Non-standard sizes and low-temperature grades (D, E, DH32/36, EH32/36) typically fall in this category — see the how we work page for the full lead-time breakdown by scenario.
Shipping, Incoterms and payment
Do you sell FOB, CFR or CIF?
All three. CIF covers vessel booking and marine insurance so the shipment is handled by one party; FOB and CFR are available, and EXW on request.
Which port do you ship from?
Wuhan is an inland Yangtze port with no deep-sea berth, so quotations are FOB Shanghai or Ningbo, with the inland leg (barge or road) already included. Another port of loading can be arranged.
What payment terms do you accept?
Irrevocable letter of credit at sight is the standard route for a first order. T/T with 30% deposit and 70% against a copy bill of lading is also available. The deposit is dropped once both sides have an order history.
Is a deposit safe if we haven't worked together before?
L/C at sight is the safer route for a first order — your bank only releases payment against a compliant document presentation, not on trust. Where a T/T deposit applies, it's 30%, with the balance due only once the bill of lading is issued.
Will the plate rust during a multi-week sea voyage?
Unprotected plate can corrode over a multi-week voyage, especially with seawater contact. Material is oiled or shop-primed on request, bundled on timber dunnage, and marked before loading.
Are there anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel plate?
In some markets, yes — several jurisdictions apply anti-dumping duties to specific Chinese steel plate product codes, and the rate varies by code and destination. Check the current rate for your HS code with your own customs broker before ordering; accurate invoicing and a correct certificate of origin are provided so the landed-cost calculation is straightforward.
Certificates, classification and quality
What documents come with each shipment?
A mill test certificate (MTC) to EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 issued per heat, a classification society certificate copy for the grade supplied, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance policy (for CIF shipments), and a fumigation certificate or non-wood packing declaration.
What's the difference between an EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2 certificate?
A 3.1 certificate is issued and validated by the mill's own authorized quality department — the standard form for most commercial shipments. A 3.2 certificate adds an independent countersignature, typically from the classification society surveyor, and is used when the buyer's contract or classification society requires third-party witnessed inspection.
What's the difference between a mill test certificate and a works approval certificate?
Works approval certifies that the mill is qualified to produce a given grade at all — it's a standing, mill-level document. The mill test certificate (MTC) reports the actual chemical and mechanical test results for the one specific heat your plate was rolled from — it's issued per shipment, not once.
Which classification societies are you approved by?
The WISCO mill holds works approval with nine classification societies: CCS, ABS, DNV, GL, BV, LR, RINA, KR and NK. See the certifications page for certificate numbers and scanned originals where available.
How do I know the mill test certificate matches the actual steel?
Forged or mismatched MTCs are a documented problem in steel trading generally. Material ships with the certificate for its own heat number, and SGS, BV or your own surveyor can witness sampling if requested at order stage.
What's the difference between AH36 and A36?
They're two unrelated standards. AH36 is a shipbuilding steel grade under classification-society (IACS) rules, with chemistry and impact-testing requirements set by the society. A36 is an ASTM structural steel grade used in general construction, with no classification-society approval by default. They are not interchangeable on a classed vessel.
Processing and site visits
Can you cut plate to size, shot blast or prime it before shipment?
Yes — profile cutting to your drawing or DXF file, shot blasting to a specified surface grade, shop priming, edge beveling, and in-house ultrasonic testing are all available. Specify what you need when you request a quote.
Can I visit the warehouse or mill before ordering?
Yes, visits to the Wuhan warehouses are arranged on request so you can inspect the plate, check markings and read certificates on site. If you can't travel, photographs and video of the specific material are sent before despatch, and SGS, BV or your own surveyor can attend in your place.
Ask us directly
State it in your enquiry along with the grade, thickness, dimensions and tonnage — most questions are answered within 24 hours.