Language
Valve Standards Overview
The valve standards system is quite extensive and can be broadly divided into three main categories: Chinese National Standards (GB), Industry Standards (JB, SY, etc.), and International/Foreign Standards (ISO, API, ASME, etc.). Together, they form a complete hierarchy covering basic requirements, product design, and inspection methods.
Chinese valve standards are primarily divided into national standards and industry standards.
National Standards (GB/GB/T) serve as the foundation, where "GB" denotes mandatory standards and "GB/T" denotes recommended standards. Common and important national standards cover both basic general requirements and specific product types, for example:
General Basics: Such as Industrial valves – Pressure testing (GB/T 13927) and Metal valves – Face-to-face and end-to-end dimensions (GB/T 12221).
Specific Products: Targeting particular valve types, such as Steel ball valves for petroleum, petrochemical and allied industries (GB/T 12237) and Steel gate valves with bolted bonnets for petroleum and natural gas industries (GB/T 12234).
Latest Updates: According to the National Standards Information Public Service Platform, a batch of important valve national standards were issued in October 2025 and took effect on May 1, 2026. Examples include GB/T 12235-2025 (Steel globe valves and lift check valves) and GB/T 21385-2025 (Metal-seated ball valves). Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the current status of the standards in use.
Industry Standards (JB, SY, etc.) complement the national standards and are more focused on specific sectors. For example:
Machinery Industry Standards (JB): Often cover components, such as Valve parts – Nuts, bolts and plugs (JB/T 1700).
Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry Standards (SY): Such as Specification for valve inspection and installation (SY/T 4102-2024).
In global trade and engineering projects, the following types of standards are widely adopted:
International Standards (ISO): Developed by the International Organization for Standardization to harmonize standards across countries. For example, Industrial valves – Pressure testing (ISO 5208) corresponds to China's GB/T 13927. A recent update, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Pipeline transportation systems – Pipeline valves (ISO 14313:2025), was issued in June 2025 and is a core standard in the oil and gas sector.
American Standards: These hold significant influence in industries such as petroleum, chemical, and power. Key ones include:
API (American Petroleum Institute): For instance, API 6D is a critical specification for pipeline valves in the oil and gas industry, and ISO 14313 is complementary to it.
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): Its pressure class designations (e.g., Class 150, 300, etc.) are widely used globally.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials): Provides numerous standards for valve materials.
Other National Standards: Standards from Germany (DIN), Japan (JIS), the UK (BS), etc., are also often required for specific projects or regions.
When faced with so many standards, you can follow these three key points for selection and verification:
Consider the Application Field: First, identify the industry where the valve will be used. Oil, natural gas, and chemical sectors typically prioritize API, ASME, ISO, or China's GB/T 122xx series; general water supply and drainage, or construction applications more often use Chinese national or industry standards.
Check the Standard Hierarchy: Prioritize the latest national standards (GB/GB/T). Only refer to industry standards (JB, SY) when there is no applicable national standard or when specific industry requirements must be met.
Verify via Official Channels: All currently valid Chinese national and industry standards can be freely queried on the National Standards Information Public Service Platform , which is the most authoritative source.
