In the iron oxide industry, many companies fail to pay sufficient attention to paint standards, often leading to non-compliance. For instance, the fundamental concepts and definitions of the standards are not clearly understood. During the standard-setting process, they do not follow proper procedures but instead focus only on passing inspections. In practice, due to factors such as raw material supply and market prices, products are not manufactured according to the standards. Some companies engage in formalized standardization work just to meet certifications and inspections, while others exaggerate their standards in advertisements and packaging instructions, using overly flashy language that may confuse users. New products frequently appear on the market without established standards, creating a chaotic situation. Additionally, some industry standards lack authority, representativeness, and strictness, making it difficult for companies to adhere to them when promoting their products. In some cases, individuals involved in standard formulation lack technical expertise and practical experience, leading to the adoption of foreign standards without considering China’s specific conditions, resulting in inconsistencies with national needs.
If these issues remain unresolved, they will significantly hinder the global standing of the iron oxide industry. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant departments develop a structured plan for standardization work and conduct regular reviews of existing standards under new requirements, ensuring more scientific development for the iron oxide industry.
The revised GB/T1863-1989 "Red Iron Oxide" is a non-equivalent international standard compared to ISO1248:1974. Some of its problems include cumbersome testing methods that are hard to implement, and an incomplete classification system. Different product types use the same international standard, such as HG/T2249-1991 for "Oxidized Iron Yellow" and HG/T2250-1991 for "Iron Oxide Black." These three standards should be consolidated and revised based on the principles of streamlining and rectification. In 2003, Germany proposed a revision plan for ISO1248:1974, but due to limited participation, China must base its national standard revisions on international standards while adapting them to local conditions.
Standards are a powerful tool for companies to gain competitive advantage. They serve as the foundation for market access, the common language for trade negotiations, and a crucial means of market competition. As the saying goes, "Whoever controls the standard holds the initiative."
Recently, under the guidance of the National Standardization Plan and the National Paint Standardization Center (Changzhou Paint Research Institute), key companies in the iron oxide industry, including Shanghai Yipin Pigment Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Huayuan Pigment Co., Ltd., Changshu Iron Red Co., Ltd., and Hunan Sanhuan Pigment Co., Ltd., have formed a working group to revise national standards for red iron oxide pigments. This effort integrates resources and strengths from various sectors, promotes enterprise development, and provides support in terms of funding, policy, and personnel training. A standardized platform led by the government, standardization departments, and industry enterprises has been established, with companies actively participating in the standardization process.
According to WTO/TBT regulations, industrialized countries like the U.S., Germany, the UK, and Japan adopt international standards as the technical basis for market access. While China's iron oxide pigment standards have a high rate of adopting international standards, no company has yet obtained the international standard mark certificate. There remains a significant gap compared to advanced industries in developed countries. Therefore, China must continue to adopt international standards, enhance the level of adoption, and improve the competitiveness of its pigment products in the global market to promote exports and achieve better economic benefits. Companies must also take an active role in revising international standards, shifting from a passive to an active position in responding to domestic and international markets.
Given the current challenges in the industry, there is a need to review outdated iron oxide product standards and promptly revise those that no longer meet development needs. It is also important to track the development of high-tech products and implement standardization work in these areas. Research into technical trade measures for products should be conducted, with response strategies developed for export products affected by foreign technical barriers and imported products impacting China’s industry. Improving the quality of standards and strengthening verification during the standard-setting process is essential. User feedback should be considered, and internationally accepted testing methods should be prioritized. The development of testing instruments should be synchronized with standards, and enterprises should be recognized as the main actors in standardization, with their enthusiasm being the core focus of standardization efforts.
It is a fact that China’s standards are sometimes not strictly formulated or contain loopholes, but this does not mean companies can arbitrarily alter the rules. Export goods are ultimately tested by importing countries, which serves as an important warning to the iron oxide industry. Companies cannot treat low-cost grade iron oxides as high-grade products to enter the market. Cutting corners to reduce costs and ignoring industry standards poses serious risks, which could ultimately harm the companies themselves.
Standards are created by people and must be strictly enforced. However, many export companies lack awareness of the “traps†that may arise during implementation. For example, a battery company exported products to a developing country where purchasing power was low. To compete, importers repeatedly reduced prices, forcing the company to cut corners. Although the contract stated lower quality standards, the official inspection agency found the products below local standards, preventing importation. Similarly, Mattel’s massive toy recall in the U.S. was due to both updated safety standards and the use of lead-containing paint by a supplier, despite the higher cost of lead-free alternatives. This highlights the importance of adhering to standards and maintaining quality control throughout the supply chain.
Most of China’s export commodities are produced and exported based on foreign samples and additional technical conditions, leading to disputes after product acceptance and claims or defaults by importers. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant about the “traps†that may occur during standard implementation.
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