American standard ASTM A240 and European standard EN 10088-2 cover the same category of products: corrosion-resistant stainless steel plate and strip. So correspondences like 304 ↔ 1.4301 and 316L ↔ 1.4404 are commonly used in the industry. But "can correspond" does not mean "completely equivalent." Writing only the three characters "304" in a contract is the most dispute-prone approach.
One-Sentence Judgment
Mutual recognition is possible, but you must specify the execution standard + grade + condition. The correct way is "316L, ASTM A240" or "1.4404, EN 10088-2." When only "316L" is written, once chemical composition or mechanical properties fall in the difference range between the two standards, each party has its own justification.
Common Grade Cross-Reference
- 304 ↔ 1.4301; 304L ↔ 1.4307
- 316 ↔ 1.4401; 316L ↔ 1.4404
- 316Ti ↔ 1.4571 (commonly used in Europe; the corresponding grade in A240 is 316Ti)
- 321 ↔ 1.4541
- 2205 duplex steel ↔ 1.4462
- 310S ↔ 1.4845
Three Details That Actually Differ
① Chemical composition ranges. Broadly consistent but boundaries do not completely overlap (individual grades differ in upper/lower limits for nickel/chromium and in how the carbon upper limit is written). If procurement accepts according to one standard while the supplier produces according to another, the measured values may "pass A, fail B."
② Mechanical property units and values. American standards use ksi, European standards use MPa; the definition of yield strength (0.2% offset) is the same but table values are not completely identical; elongation gauge length may also differ. Unify units and test methods before comparing data.
③ Inspection items and certificates. Both require chemical composition and mechanical properties per batch, but item details (such as whether impact testing is mandatory, how surface quality grading is written) differ. Under the EN system, EN 10204 3.1/3.2 is often cited as the certificate type; under the American standard system, A240 annexes or customer specifications are often followed.
How to Write Procurement Terms to Avoid Losses
- State the material standard (A240 or EN 10088-2) clearly; do not write only the grade;
- State the delivery condition clearly (solution annealed/annealed, surface finish 2B/BA/No.1);
- State the certificate type clearly (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2);
- When cross-standard mutual recognition is needed, specify in the contract "which standard is used for acceptance" — this sentence can save the entire return process;
- Agree on thickness tolerances separately (A240 and EN 10088-2 have different tolerance tables; see the other article "Thickness Tolerances").
Common Pitfalls
- The drawing says "304," but the delivered plate is produced by a domestic mill according to GB/T 4237 — chemical composition may be fully compliant, but when the customer re-inspects according to A240, impact or tolerances do not match;
- Mixing up 1.4404 and 1.4401 (316 and 316L): carbon content differs, with different consequences for welded parts;
- Using "304" as a blanket term for both 304 and 304L; when low carbon is actually required, ordinary 304 is supplied;
- Using a cross-reference table directly as a contract annex without stating "which standard is used for acceptance."
Tell us your target market and project requirements (American or European standard, whether a 3.2 certificate is needed, which table the thickness tolerance follows), and we will supply according to the corresponding standard and provide batch certificates — write the standard clearly, and you save a round of disputes later.
