Protecting Quality from Factory to Project Site
At Baosteel company, our commitment to quality extends far beyond the production line. We understand that even the most precisely manufactured prepainted steel coil can be compromised by improper handling, moisture exposure, or transit damage during international shipping. That is why we have developed comprehensive packing and export shipping standards designed to deliver your material in the same pristine condition as when it left our factory.
This guide explains our multilayer protection system, international shipping practices, and the quality assurance measures we implement to safeguard your investment throughout its journey.
Explore our prepainted steel coil products that receive this specialized packaging.
Why Professional Packing Matters for Prepainted Steel Coils
Prepainted steel coils represent a significant investment in both material and applied coating technology. The painted surface, while durable under normal conditions, requires specific protection during transit:
| Risk | Consequence | Our Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & Humidity | White rust formation, coating blistering, edge corrosion | Multilayer moisture barrier packaging |
| Mechanical Damage | Scratched paint, edge deformation, telescoping | Steel edge protection, secure strapping |
| Salt Spray (Sea Transit) | Accelerated corrosion from marine atmosphere | VCI anti-corrosion protection |
| Handling Impact | Coil deformation, core damage | Wooden pallets, lifting lugs, clear handling instructions |
| Long-Term Storage | Degradation during project delays | UV-protective outer wrap, ventilation considerations |
Baosteel company’s Multilayer Coil Packaging System
Inner Layer: VCI Anti-Corrosion Protection
The first layer applied directly to the prepainted coil is VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) paper. This specialized packaging material continuously releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form a protective molecular layer on all exposed metal surfaces.
VCI Paper Specifications:
Material: Neutral kraft paper impregnated with VCI compounds
Grammage: 80-120 g/m² (selected based on transit duration)
Properties:
Non-contact protection (inhibitors reach all surfaces via vapor phase)
Self-renewing molecular layer
Compatible with all paint systems
Nitrite-free and environmentally safe
Provides protection for 12-24 months under proper storage
Application Method: The coil is wrapped with 2-3 layers of VCI paper, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces including edges and the inner diameter.
Middle Layer: Moisture Barrier Protection
The second layer consists of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film or aluminum foil laminate, creating an impermeable barrier against moisture vapor, salt spray, and atmospheric contaminants.
Moisture Barrier Specifications:
| Material | Thickness | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE Film | 80-120 microns | Tear-resistant, waterproof, UV-stabilized | Standard export shipments |
| Aluminum Foil Laminate | 12-25 microns foil + reinforcement | Complete vapor barrier, reflective | High-humidity destinations, long sea transits |
| Black Stretch Film | 25-50 microns | Puncture resistance, secondary protection | Outer overwrap, bundling |
Application Method: The moisture barrier is applied with minimum 50% overlap, sealed at all seams with waterproof tape, and secured at top and bottom to prevent moisture ingress during handling or temporary storage.
Outer Layer: Mechanical Protection & Identification
The outermost layer provides mechanical protection during handling, loading, and transit, while displaying critical shipping information.
Components:
Galvanized Steel Edge Protectors: 0.8-1.2mm thick galvanized steel angles placed at all coil edges to prevent strapping damage and impact crushing
Steel or Plastic Outer Casing: Optional heavy-duty protection for high-value coils or break-bulk shipments
Identification Labels: Waterproof adhesive labels showing:
Coil ID and heat number
Specifications (thickness, width, weight)
Destination and consignee
Handling symbols (ISO standard pictograms)
“Do Not Roll” Markings: Clear warnings for prepainted coils
Strapping and Securing Standards
Proper strapping prevents coil movement, telescoping, and edge damage during lifting and transit.
Strapping Configuration
| Coil Weight | Number of Straps | Strap Type | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 3 MT | 3 radial straps | 32mm x 0.8mm galvanized | 15-20 kN |
| 3-8 MT | 4 radial straps | 32mm x 0.9mm galvanized | 20-25 kN |
| 8-15 MT | 4-5 radial straps | 32mm x 1.0mm galvanized | 25-30 kN |
| > 15 MT | 5-6 radial straps | 32mm x 1.2mm galvanized | 30-35 kN |
Additional Circumferential Strapping: For coils exceeding 1500mm width or those subject to repeated handling, 2-3 circumferential straps are added perpendicular to the radial straps.
Strap Protection
All straps are applied over plastic or cardboard edge protectors (50mm width) to prevent:
Cutting into packaging layers
Damage to coil edges
Paint surface marking
Palletization and Lifting Provisions
For break-bulk shipments, LCL containers, or when specified by customers, coils are mounted on export-grade pallets.
Wooden Pallet Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Kiln-dried hardwood (ISPM 15 compliant) |
| Construction | Heavy-duty stringer type with cross members |
| Capacity | Designed for 2-3x coil weight safety factor |
| Treatment | Heat-treated (HT) with ISPM 15 stamp |
| Dimensions | Customized to coil OD and width |
| Lifting Provision | Four-way fork pockets, crane lifting lugs optional |
Lifting Eyes and Beams
For oversized or heavyweight coils, we provide:
Integrated lifting lugs: Welded to pallet structure
Spreader beams: For balanced lifting of multiple coils
Lifting instructions: Clear diagrams affixed to packaging
Container Loading Standards
20ft and 40ft Container Loading
Our export team follows strict container loading protocols:
Pre-Loading Inspection:
Container interior cleanliness verification
Floor condition assessment
Moisture check (no standing water or dampness)
Ventilation opening confirmation (if specified)
Loading Configuration:
| Container Type | Coil Arrangement | Securing Method |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | Single coil lengthwise, or 2-3 smaller coils end-to-end | Dunnage bags between coils, wooden chocks at ends |
| 40ft Standard | 2-3 coils lengthwise with spacing | Dunnage bags + timber blocking + steel strapping to floor rings |
| Open Top/Flat Rack | Multiple coils as engineered | Heavy-duty lashing with ratchet straps to all securing points |
Dunnage and Blocking:
Inflatable dunnage bags (800-1200mm diameter) prevent coil movement
Hardwood blocking at door end and between coils
Edge protectors under all straps
Special Packaging for Extended Sea Transits
For shipments crossing multiple climate zones or exceeding 45 days at sea, we implement enhanced packaging protocols:
Tropical/Moisture-Prone Routes
Double moisture barrier: Two independent layers of aluminum foil laminate
Desiccant placement: Silica gel bags (calculated at 1 unit per cubic meter) placed inside packaging
Humidity indicator cards: Visible through small window to verify internal conditions on arrival
Nitrogen flushing: Optional inert gas purging before final sealing
High-Risk Routes (Heavy Salt Spray, High Humidity)
Destinations including Southeast Asia, Middle East, Caribbean, and West Africa receive:
Enhanced VCI protection (double layer)
Heavy-gauge aluminum foil moisture barrier
Additional edge protectors
Anti-slip coatings on pallet surfaces
Marking and Documentation Standards
Coil Labels (Waterproof, Adhesive)
Each coil receives minimum three labels:
On outer wrap: Visible without unpacking
On coil eye interior: Protected but accessible
On pallet or packaging: Additional reference
Label Information Includes:
Baosteel company logo and contact information
Coil number and production date
Material specifications (grade, thickness, width, weight)
Color code and paint system
Purchase order number
Destination and consignee
Gross and net weight
Handling symbols (ISO 7000 / IEC 60417)
Shipping Documents
Complete documentation accompanies each shipment:
| Document | Purpose | Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Customs clearance, payment | 3 original + copies |
| Packing List | Weight verification, content identification | 3 original + copies |
| Bill of Lading | Title document, shipping contract | 3 original negotiable |
| Certificate of Origin | Tariff preference, origin verification | 1 original + copies |
| Mill Test Certificate | Quality verification, specification confirmation | 1 original + copies |
| Insurance Certificate | Risk coverage (if arranged) | 1 original + copies |
| Packing Photos | Condition verification pre-shipment | Digital copy |
| Handling Instructions | Safe unloading guidance | 1 copy attached to shipment |
Shipping Terms and Incoterms
We offer flexible shipping terms to accommodate global customer requirements:
| Incoterm | Baosteel company Responsibility | Customer Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex-Works) | Make goods available at our warehouse | All transport, export/import clearance |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Deliver to port, load on vessel | Main carriage, insurance, import clearance |
| CFR (Cost and Freight) | Arrange and pay for transport to destination port | Insurance, import clearance, onward transport |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Arrange transport and insurance to destination port | Import clearance, onward transport |
| DAP (Delivered at Place) | Deliver to named destination, not unloaded | Unloading, import clearance |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Deliver to destination, cleared for import | Unloading only |
Our Recommended Terms: For first-time buyers, we recommend FOB or CFR for cost transparency and control.
Receiving and Unpacking Guidelines
To ensure your prepainted coils arrive in perfect condition, we provide these receiving instructions:
Upon Arrival
Inspect before accepting: Check for visible damage to container or packaging
Document any damage: Photograph and note on shipping documents
Report immediately: Contact Baosteel company within 24 hours of discovery
Unpacking Procedure
| Step | Action | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove outer strapping carefully | Straps under tension—cut away from body |
| 2 | Remove outer protective wrap | Inspect for moisture before removal |
| 3 | Remove edge protectors | Check for damage underneath |
| 4 | Unwrap VCI paper | VCI protection continues even after unwrapping |
| 5 | Inspect coil surface | Document any issues immediately |
| 6 | Store properly if not using immediately | See storage guidelines below |
Storage Recommendations
If coils will not be used immediately:
Store indoors in clean, dry environment
Maintain temperature above dew point to prevent condensation
Keep coils upright on clean wooden sleepers
Avoid stacking unless properly designed racks
Maintain VCI protection—do not remove until ready to use
Rotate stock—use oldest coils first
Quality Assurance: Verification Before Shipment
Before any coil leaves our facility, our quality team verifies:
Packaging materials meet specification (VCI effectiveness, moisture barrier integrity)
Strapping tension and placement correct
Edge protectors properly positioned
Labels complete and accurate
Documentation complete and signed
Loading plan optimized for container or vessel
Pre-shipment photographs taken and archived
We maintain a digital record of packaging and loading for every shipment, available for customer review upon request.
Special Requirements and Custom Packaging
We recognize that some projects have unique requirements:
Project-specific labeling (client project codes, special markings)
Bundled coils (multiple small coils strapped together)
Slit coils (narrow widths requiring specialized packaging)
Express shipments (air freight compatible packaging)
Military or government contracts (specific packaging specifications)
Just-in-time deliveries (sequence-marked coils)
Contact our logistics team to discuss your specific packaging or shipping requirements.
Why Baosteel company’s Packaging Standards Matter
For Buyers
Arrive ready to use: No rework or surface preparation required
Inventory protection: Store with confidence during project delays
Warranty preservation: Proper packaging maintains product warranty
Cost savings: No repackaging or touch-up required
For Specifiers
Reliable performance: Material arrives as specified
Project timelines maintained: No delays from damaged materials
Quality reputation protected: End users receive pristine product
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can coils remain in Baosteel company packaging?
A: Under proper indoor storage conditions, our standard packaging provides 12 months protection. Extended protection options available.
Q: Is the packaging recyclable?
A: Yes. Steel strapping and edge protectors are recyclable as scrap steel. Paper and plastic components are recyclable where facilities exist.
Q: Can packaging be customized for specific destinations?
A: Absolutely. We adjust packaging based on destination climate, transit duration, and transport mode.
Q: Do you offer packaging for slit coils or narrow widths?
A: Yes. Specialized packaging is available for all coil dimensions.
Q: What if I need to store coils outdoors temporarily?
A: We offer enhanced UV-resistant outer wrapping for short-term outdoor storage. Contact us for recommendations.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Baosteel company, we continuously review and enhance our packaging standards based on:
Customer feedback from receiving inspections
Transit condition monitoring
New packaging material developments
Regional climate and handling challenges
International shipping regulation updates
Your feedback matters. If you have suggestions for improving our packaging or shipping processes, please share them with your account manager.
Ready to Ship Your Project?
Contact Baosteel company’s Logistics Team to discuss your prepainted steel coil requirements and receive expert guidance on packaging and shipping options for your destination.
Request a detailed shipping proposal including:
Packaging specification for your destination
Container loading plan
Freight options and estimated costs
Transit time estimates
Documentation requirements
View our complete range of prepainted steel coil products that ship with our professional packaging standards.
