EC International Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to EC International (Nantong EC Industry Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
Established in 2001 and headquartered in Nantong, Jiangsu, China, EC International is a premier manufacturer and supplier of high-performance fasteners. For over three decades, we have been dedicated to serving the construction and automotive industries with precision-engineered bolts, nuts, screws, washers, and studs. Our commitment to quality, timely delivery, and technical expertise makes us a trusted partner for global projects.
Below you will find answers to the most common questions regarding our company, products, and services.
About Us
Q: How long has EC International been in business?
A: EC International was established in 2001. With over 30 years of industry experience, we have grown from a local workshop into a comprehensive fastener manufacturer and supplier, serving clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Q: Where is your factory located and what is your production capacity?
A: Our headquarters and manufacturing facility are located at No. 1018 Taiping North Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu, China. We operate a modern production facility equipped with advanced cold heading, hot forging, and CNC machining lines. Our annual production capacity exceeds 9,600 metric tons, allowing us to handle both large-scale project orders and specialized small-batch requirements efficiently.
Q: What quality certifications does EC International hold?
A: Quality is the cornerstone of our operations. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and strictly adhere to international quality management standards. Our internal laboratory is equipped with spectrometers, hardness testers, and tensile testing machines to ensure every batch meets the required specifications before shipment.
Products
Q: What types of fasteners do you manufacture?
A: We offer a comprehensive range of industrial fasteners, including:
Screws: Self-drilling screws, machine screws, and wood screws.
Q: Which standards do your products comply with?
A: We manufacture fasteners according to major international standards, including DIN, ISO, ANSI/ASME, JIS, GB, and BS. If you require specific proprietary standards or unique tolerances, our engineering team can review the drawings for feasibility.
Q: What industries do you primarily serve?
A: Our fasteners are engineered for demanding environments, with a primary focus on:
1. Construction: Structural steel connections, precast concrete anchoring, and infrastructure projects.
2. Automotive: Engine components, chassis assembly, and interior trim fasteners requiring high precision and fatigue resistance.
Q: What materials are available?
A: We work with a wide variety of materials, including Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel (e.g., 40Cr, SCM435), Stainless Steel (304, 316), Brass, and specialized alloys. Surface finishes include Zinc Plated, Hot-Dip Galvanized, Dacromet, Geomet, and Black Oxide.
Customization & OEM
Q: Do you support non-standard custom fasteners?
A: Yes, customization is one of our core strengths. We can manufacture non-standard fasteners based on your CAD drawings, 3D models, or physical samples. Our engineering team will provide a DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis to optimize cost and performance.
Q: Do you offer OEM/ODM services?
A: Absolutely. We provide full OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) services. We can produce fasteners with your logo, custom packaging, and specific technical requirements to fit your brand’s identity.
Q: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our MOQ is flexible and depends on the product type and customization level: Standard Items: Typically 500 kg or $1,000 USD.
Custom/OEM Items: Typically 1,000 kg or negotiated based on tooling costs. * Note: We are happy to discuss smaller trial orders for new customers to test quality.
Quality Control
Q: What is your quality inspection process?
A: We implement a 3-Stage Quality Control System:
1. IQC (Incoming Quality Control): Raw material verification and chemical composition analysis.
2. IPQC (In-Process Quality Control): Dimensional checks and thread gauge inspections during production.
3. FQC (Final Quality Control): 100% visual inspection, hardness testing, torque testing, and salt spray testing before packaging.
Q: How many certificates do you have ?
A: We have ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems, ISO 28000:2022 Supply chain security management systems, CE Marking (Conformité Européenne), ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems, National Green Factory Certification, IATF 16949:2016 Automotive Quality Management System, CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment), ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems, LCMP Low Carbon Manufacturing Programme
Q: How do you handle defective products?
A: We stand behind our quality. In the rare event of a confirmed manufacturing defect:
1. Please provide photos or videos of the issue within 7 days of receipt.
2. Our quality team will conduct a root cause analysis within 48 hours.
3. We will offer a free replacement, credit note, or refund depending on the severity and your preference.
Ordering & Shipping
Q: What is the standard ordering process?
A:
1. Inquiry: Send us your specs, drawings, or part numbers.
2.Quotation: We provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.
3. Confirmation: Approve the sample (if custom) and Proforma Invoice.
4. Production: Manufacturing begins upon deposit receipt.
5. Inspection: Pre-shipment photos/videos or third-party inspection.
6. Shipment: Goods are dispatched upon balance payment.
Q: What is the typical lead time?
A:
Standard Items in Stock: 3-7 days.
Custom/OEM Orders: 30-45 days (depending on quantity and complexity). * We always confirm the exact schedule before production starts.
Q: How are the goods packaged?
A: We use export-standard packaging to prevent damage and rust:
Small Items: Poly bags + Cartons.
Heavy Items: Plywood Pallets or Steel Pallets.
Custom Packaging: Branded boxes, blister packs, or bulk bins are available upon request.
Q: Which shipping methods do you use?
A: We support FOB Shanghai/Nantong, CIF, and DDP terms.
Sea Freight: For bulk orders (most cost-effective).
Air Freight/Express: For urgent samples or small quantities (DHL, FedEx, UPS). Rail Freight: Available for destinations in Europe/Central Asia.
Payment Terms
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept T/T (Bank Transfer) and L/C (Letter of Credit) for large orders.
Q: What are your standard payment terms?
A:
Standard: 30% deposit upon order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment (against copy of B/L or inspection report).
Long-term Partners: We can discuss O/A (Open Account) or DP (Documents against Payment) terms after a history of successful transactions.
After-Sales Service
Q: Do you offer a warranty?
A: Yes. We guarantee that all products meet the agreed specifications and standards. Our warranty covers manufacturing defects and material failures under normal usage conditions.
Q: Do you provide technical support?
A: Yes, our engineering team is available to assist with:
Material selection advice.
Torque and tension calculation guidance.
Troubleshooting installation issues.
Drawing optimization for cost reduction.
Q: What is your return/exchange policy?
A: If you receive the wrong items or defective goods due to our error, we will reship the correct quantity at our expense immediately. For returns due to ordering errors on your side, please contact us within 3 days; we will do our best to offer a solution, though return shipping may apply.