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“We ordered TPED-certified tanks… and then found out they weren’t actually TPED.” “The cylinders looked fine—until we found thread sizes we didn’t ask for.” “Custom color was great… until the valve cap wouldn’t fit anymore.”
Over the years, we’ve worked with hundreds of importers—many of whom came to us after getting burned elsewhere. Here are the top 5 mistakes they shared with us, and what you can do to avoid them.
Table of Contents
CE ≠ TPED. Yes, really.
oo many buyers see a “CE” logo and assume it means EU transport-compliant. It doesn’t. CE covers equipment safety, but transport cylinders need TPED (π mark + Notified Body ID).
What to check:
- Look for the π mark, not just CE
- Ask for the type approval cert—not a factory PDF
Thread Type: The Hidden Trap
Imagine ordering 1,000 tanks… and then realizing none of them fit your regulators.
Straight threads, tapered threads, M18x1.5 or 5/8-18UNF—it’s easy to mess this up.
What to check:
- Confirm thread type AND tolerance class
- Request sample fittings or QC drawing before production
Custom Color or Logo ≠ Always a Good Idea
Buyers love custom paint and logos. But if the process affects neck threads, you’ve got a problem. We’ve seen anodizing reduce internal thread integrity by 0.05mm—enough to fail leakage tests.
What to check:
- Ask: “Does coating affect neck thread dimension?”
- Request post-paint QC thread gauge report
Overlooking Export Packaging Details
Even empty cylinders get damaged in transit.
The most common issue? Valve threads hitting each other inside the box. Or pallet stacks crushing bottom rims.
What to check:
- Use foam inserts, not just shrink wrap
- Limit stacking height to avoid compression
- Ask for drop-test photos of outer cartons
Relying on "Certificates" You Haven’t Verified
Yes, some suppliers send fake DOT/TPED docs—or certs that cover different models. It’s not always malicious… sometimes they just send what “seems close enough.”
What to check:
- Match cert serial number to your cylinder’s exact specs
- If unsure, email the certifying body (TÜV, SGS) directly
