Bitumen 60/70

Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration grade bitumen. You must verify the Penetration Range (60-70 dmm at 25°C) and the Softening Point (49-56°C) according to ASTM D5 or EN 1426 standards. Additionally, check the Ductility (min 100 cm at 25°C) and Flash Point (min 250°C) to ensure safety and performance in asphalt mixing.

Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch. It is highly recommended to appoint a third-party inspection agency like SGS or Intertek to conduct loading surveys and lab testing at the port of origin. This prevents issues related to contamination, high paraffin content, or adulteration with heavy fuel oils.

The most common options include New Steel Drums (typically 150kg, 180kg, or 200kg), which are durable for long-distance sea freight, and Polybag/Bitubags (300kg to 1000kg), which are more eco-friendly and reduce residual waste. For very large volumes, Bulk Bitumen Tankers or ISO Tanks are used, though they require specialized heating infrastructure at the destination port.

The product should generally align with AASHTO M20 or ASTM D946 standards. If you are exporting to the European market, ensure the supplier can provide CE Marking and compliance with EN 12591. Always confirm the specific Ministry of Transport (MOT) requirements of the destination country.

Bitumen prices are closely tied to global crude oil indices. To manage risk, consider short-term contracts or include price escalation clauses in your agreement. For large projects, securing a fixed-price contract with a significant down payment can lock in costs, provided the supplier is reputable.

Avoid 100% advance payments. Use a Letter of Credit (L/C at sight) issued by a top-tier bank, which ensures payment is only released upon presentation of valid shipping documents and SGS inspection reports. For initial orders on Made-in-China.com, utilize their secured payment or audit services to verify the supplier's legitimacy.

Bitumen is a heavy cargo; ensure the container weight limits are not exceeded. If using drums, verify they are new and leak-proof to avoid environmental fines. For cold climates, ensure the destination has decanting/melting facilities if the bitumen is delivered in solid form (drums or bags).

Prioritize Audited Suppliers who have undergone on-site verification. Check their export history to your specific region and look for those with ISO 9001 certification. A reliable supplier should be transparent about their refinery source and provide real-time photos of the drumming and loading process.