Export market · Europe · France
Stainless and alloy supply for France's chemical and energy plants
In short: France's demand comes from two directions: established chemical corridors around Lyon, Fos and Le Havre, and a new nuclear build of six EPR2 reactors. Bright Tubes supplies stainless, nickel alloy and Cr-Mo pipe, tube and fittings for chemical, energy and balance-of-plant work, and is clear about what nuclear scope it does not cover.
Nuclear
Six reactors, and a clear line on scope
EDF is contracting suppliers for heat exchangers, cooling units, pumps and electrical penetrations.[2] Most of that chain is qualified to nuclear codes; we state plainly where we can and can't help.
- Programme
- Six EPR2 reactors at Penly, Gravelines and Bugey; €72.8bn forecast cost (Dec 2025).[1]
- We supply
- Standard-specification pipe, tube, plate and fittings for conventional island, balance of plant and site works.
- We don't claim
- Nuclear-island qualification. Nuclear-grade supply only where the buyer qualifies the source.
Ordering to EN
The EN standards French orders usually cite
Many French purchase orders cite EN product standards with ASTM as an alternative. Name both and the certificate can state both.
- EN 10216-5
- Seamless stainless steel tubes for pressure purposes, the EN counterpart of ASTM A312 / A213 seamless.
- EN 10217-7
- Welded stainless steel tubes for pressure purposes.
- EN 10028-7
- Stainless steel flat products (plate) for pressure purposes.
- EN 10272
- Stainless steel bars for pressure purposes.
- EN 10204
- Inspection documents: 3.1 from the mill, 3.2 with an independent inspector.
Grade cross-references: equivalent grades chart.
Industries served
Sectors we supply in France
From enquiry to quay
How an order to France runs
- 01 EnquiryGrade, specification, size, quantity
- 02 ReviewChecked against your standard
- 03 InspectPMI, dimensions, TPI if required
- 04 CertifyEN 10204 3.1 / 3.2, heat traceable
- 05 ShipPacked and documented for Le Havre
French buyer questions
Answers for French buyers
Can you supply material for EPR2 nuclear reactors?
Nuclear-island components are built to French nuclear codes by qualified suppliers under EDF's supply chain.[2] We don't claim nuclear qualification. We supply standard-specification material for conventional-island, balance-of-plant and site infrastructure where the buyer's specification allows, and nuclear-grade material only when the buyer has qualified the source.
How big is the EPR2 programme?
What do French chemical plants buy?
Which certificates do French buyers require?
EN 10204 3.1 as standard and 3.2 for PED category equipment or critical service, with EN material numbers stated alongside ASTM grades where the order uses them.
Does CBAM apply to steel imports into France?
Yes, from 1 January 2026, as across the EU. See our Germany page for the 50-tonne threshold and declarant rules.
Sources
References
Trade rules and project schedules change. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or project authority before shipment.
Material for a French plant?
Send your list with EN or ASTM grades and certificate type. We quote with scope stated clearly.