PMB 120/200 Exporters

What a Complete PMB 120/200 Requirement Includes

Before requesting export quotations, check that your specification identifies the full designation and the required test criteria. In particular, confirm the following:

• The 120/200 penetration range and its required minimum softening-point class.
• Each additional characteristic, its class and its test method. Depending on the specification, these may include Fraass breaking point (EN 12593), elastic recovery (EN 13398), storage stability (EN 13399), cohesion or properties after ageing (EN 12607-1).
• The applicable edition of EN 14023 and any relevant national or project-specific document.
• Any separate application, pavement or surface-treatment specification that adds binder requirements.

If the softening-point class is missing, ask the project specifier to confirm it before comparing offers. Otherwise, quotations may not cover equivalent requirements. For background, see this EN 14023 classification guide.

PMB 120/200 and Neighbouring Grades

Several binders may have overlapping penetration intervals. However, overlapping values do not make their designations interchangeable. Compare the full designation, modification type and specified properties before accepting an alternative.

Unmodified 160/220 bitumen shares much of the penetration interval, but it is not the same product as polymer modified bitumen. It also does not use the same PMB designation requirements. Therefore, check that the technical data sheet (TDS) and certificate of analysis (COA) identify the offered product and its required properties correctly.

For conventional paving binders, see our penetration grade bitumen range. You can also explore our polymer modified bitumen products for related PMB specifications.

Where PMB 120/200 May Be Specified

Very soft penetration ranges may be considered for applications where the design requires a softer binder. However, the appropriate grade depends on the full specification, climate, pavement design and performance requirements.

• Asphalt applications in cold-service conditions, where the contract specifies the required low-temperature performance.
• Hot-applied treatments or other applications where the design explicitly calls for a compatible soft PMB grade.

The pavement or treatment designer must select the grade and its required property classes. Consequently, do not choose PMB 120/200 on penetration values alone; confirm that the complete designation meets the project requirements.

Quoting PMB 120/200 for Export

To request a quotation, send us the specification clause, required quantity, destination port and preferred Incoterm. Also share the shipping route and expected storage conditions at the destination so the offer can address relevant packing and handling requirements.

Our quotation can state the offered designation and standard edition, technical data sheet, packing details, loading port, agreed Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF), applicable documents, inspection scope, price validity and estimated transit time, as applicable to the enquiry.

For easier comparison, make sure all suppliers quote against the same specification, quantity, delivery basis and inspection requirements. This helps you identify differences before placing an order.

Documents, Sampling and Inspection for PMB 120/200

Review the technical and batch documents before shipment. The following checks help establish whether the supplied product matches the agreed requirements:

• The TDS identifies the complete designation, lists the selected characteristics and test methods, and provides applicable handling and storage guidance.
• The batch COA reports penetration (EN 1426), softening point (EN 1427) and other required test results, with a batch reference traceable to the cargo.
• The documents use the standard edition and acceptance criteria agreed in the contract.

Our PMB TDS and COA checklist explains how to review these documents and what their results can demonstrate.

For packed cargo, sampling quality also matters because test results represent only the samples taken. If the contract requires third-party inspection, agree on the sampling plan in advance. Specify the units to sample, the sample quantity, the sampling stage, the required tests and the laboratory or inspection agency.

Where the contract refers to EN 58, follow its applicable sampling requirements. In addition, define the inspection scope in writing so all parties understand what the final report does and does not cover.

Packing, Shipping and Handling

We agree packing requirements for each enquiry and state the arrangement in the offer. Do not assume that packaging used for conventional bitumen will automatically suit PMB 120/200.

Because handling requirements depend on the product formulation and transport conditions, ask the supplier to confirm that the proposed packing suits your shipping route and destination storage conditions. During handling, follow the temperatures, holding times and safety instructions in the applicable TDS and safety data sheet (SDS).

If the binder will remain in heated storage, obtain the supplier’s recommended storage conditions in writing. Our guide to PMB storage stability explains why storage conditions matter. Finally, include any destination approval or pre-shipment inspection requirement in your enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a PMB 120/200 Quotation

To prepare an accurate offer, send:

• the complete designation, or the specification clause, with standard and edition;
• quantity in metric tons and the required delivery window;
• destination port, shipping route and Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF);
• expected storage conditions at destination, and any packing preference;
• inspection scope, sampling plan and required documents, including destination approvals.

Request a PMB 120/200 Quote

All EN 14023 ranges and the PMB export process: Polymer Modified Bitumen Exporters