Boiling Point in foreign trade specifically refers to the boiling temperature of liquid goods under a specific pressure. It is a key physical parameter for the transportation and storage of dangerous goods such as chemicals, oils, and solvents. Its usage scenarios include: preparation of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), classification of dangerous goods (e.g., classifying flammable liquids based on boiling point), determination of sea/air transport conditions, selection of packaging grade, etc. Precautions: The measurement pressure must be specified (usually standard atmospheric pressure), as boiling point varies with pressure; liquids with a boiling point below 35°C are generally classified as highly flammable; it differs from Flash Point, which refers to the minimum temperature at which a liquid releases sufficient vapor to form a combustible mixture with air, while boiling point concerns the temperature at which the liquid completely vaporizes; both jointly determine the transport safety level. Difference from Initial Boiling Point (IBP): Boiling point is the constant temperature of a pure substance or azeotrope, while IBP is the temperature of the first drop of distillate when a mixture is distilled. If a boiling point specification is involved in a foreign trade contract or letter of credit, the testing method (e.g., ASTM D86) must be confirmed with the supplier to avoid disputes caused by standard differences.
📝 Examples
1. Please provide the MSDS for this batch of acetone, in which the boiling point data must indicate the measurement pressure, so that we can arrange dangerous goods sea freight booking. (Note: Boiling point is required for dangerous goods transport booking to determine packaging category and transport conditions.)
2. The contract stipulates that the boiling point range of xylene should be 138-144°C. If the measured boiling point exceeds this range, the buyer has the right to reject the goods. (Note: In quality clauses, boiling point serves as a key specification indicator that directly affects cargo acceptance.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner