Overview
ISO 3183 is the international standard specifying requirements for the manufacture of two product specification levels (PSL 1 and PSL 2) of seamless and welded steel pipes for use in pipeline transportation systems in the petroleum and natural gas industries.
Scope & Applicability
Applies To Industries
Covers — seamless and welded steel line pipe globally:
- Matches the technical intent of API 5L.
- Grades use the "L" prefix followed by yield strength in MPa (e.g., L360 is equivalent to API 5L X52).
Does NOT cover (exclusions) — the following are governed elsewhere:
- Cast iron pipe.
- Plant process piping.
Key Requirements
ISO 3183 harmonizes global pipeline materials:
- Requirements mirror API 5L for manufacturing, chemical composition, and mechanical properties.
- PSL 2 imposes stricter controls on carbon equivalent and toughness.
Technical Details
For many years, API 5L and ISO 3183 were co-published as a harmonized standard. While they occasionally diverge on specific revisions, they are practically identical for most commercial pipeline orders.
Where to find it in the code: Tensile requirements → Table 6.
Engineering Notes
Most high-quality line pipe is dual-certified to both API 5L and ISO 3183 to satisfy both US/API-centric engineers and European/ISO-centric regulatory bodies.
Source, Edition & Status
- Publisher
- ISO
- Industries
- Pipeline
- Last Reviewed
- 2026-07-01
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01
- Verified By
- Engineering content reviewer
- Content Status
- reviewed