In the iron oxide industry, many companies fail to give sufficient attention to paint standards, leading to frequent non-compliance issues. For example, some lack a clear understanding of what the standards entail, and during the process of setting these standards, they often follow procedures superficially, only for the sake of passing inspections. In practice, due to factors like raw material availability or market prices, products are not manufactured in accordance with the standards. Some companies engage in formalistic compliance, merely going through the motions to meet certifications and audits. Others exaggerate the importance of standards in their advertisements, using overly elaborate language on product packaging that may mislead consumers. New products often appear in the market without established standards, creating confusion and inconsistency. Additionally, some existing standards lack authority, representativeness, and strictness, making it difficult for companies to enforce them when promoting their products. Moreover, some individuals involved in standard formulation lack technical expertise and practical experience, often adopting foreign standards without proper adaptation, resulting in inconsistencies with China's national conditions.
If these issues remain unresolved, they will significantly hinder the global standing of the iron oxide industry. To address this, relevant departments should develop a structured plan for standardization work and conduct regular reviews of existing standards under new requirements. This will help the industry grow more scientifically and efficiently.
The revised GB/T 1863-1989 "Red Iron Oxide" is based on the non-equivalent international standard ISO1248:1974. However, it has several shortcomings, such as cumbersome testing methods that are hard to implement. The standard also lacks comprehensiveness, as different types of iron oxides are covered by separate standards like HG/T2249-1991 and HG/T2250-1991, which should be consolidated and revised according to the principles of simplification and standardization. In 2003, Germany proposed revising ISO1248:1974, but the revision process was delayed due to limited participation. As a result, China must adapt its national standards to its own conditions while aligning with international practices.
Standards play a crucial role in business operations, serving as a foundation for market access, trade negotiations, and competitive advantage. Those who control standard formulation gain a strategic edge. 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 have formed a working group to revise the national standards for red iron oxide pigments. This initiative brings together resources and expertise from various sectors, providing financial support, policy guidance, and training to promote standardization efforts. A government-led platform involving standardization bodies and industry players has been established, encouraging active participation from enterprises.
According to WTO/TBT regulations, developed countries like the U.S., Germany, the UK, and Japan use international standards as the basis for market access. Although China’s iron oxide pigment standards have a high adoption rate of international standards, no company has yet obtained the official mark for using them. There remains a significant gap compared to advanced industries in other countries. Therefore, China must continue to adopt and improve international standards to enhance the competitiveness of its pigment products in the global market, boost exports, and achieve better economic returns. It is essential to actively participate in international standardization efforts and shift from a passive to an active position in responding to domestic and international market demands.
Given the current challenges in the industry, there is a need to review outdated standards and revise those that no longer meet development needs. Companies should also track the progress of high-tech products and implement standardization in emerging fields. Research into technical trade measures should be conducted, and response strategies should be developed for export products affected by foreign technical barriers and imported products impacting domestic development. Improving the quality of standards and strengthening verification processes are also important. User feedback should be considered, and internationally accepted testing methods should be prioritized. Testing equipment should evolve alongside standards, and enterprises should be recognized as the main drivers of standardization, with their participation being a core focus.
While it is true that some Chinese standards are not strictly formulated or contain loopholes, this does not mean companies can arbitrarily change the rules. Exported goods are ultimately tested by the importing country, which serves as an important warning for the iron oxide industry. Companies cannot treat low-cost iron oxides as high-grade products to enter the market. Cutting corners for cost reduction without respecting standards poses serious risks, potentially leading to losses for the companies themselves.
Standards are created by people and must be strictly enforced. However, many export companies are unaware of the “traps†that arise during implementation. For example, a battery company exported products to a developing country where local consumers had low purchasing power. To compete, importers pressured for lower prices, and the company cut costs by reducing quality. They believed the importers had agreed to lower standards, but the local inspection agency rejected the products for not meeting national requirements. Similarly, Mattel’s massive recall of 21 million toys from China highlighted the dangers of poor standard enforcement. Issues arose from updated magnetic component standards and the use of lead-containing paint by suppliers, despite higher costs. Mattel’s negligence in quality checks led to a major scandal.
Most of our export products are produced and exported based on foreign samples and additional technical conditions, leading to disputes after acceptance. Importers have filed claims or defaulted on payments, making it crucial to remain vigilant against potential traps in standard implementation.
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