Abstract: Cast iron components are widely used in boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping, automobile, tractor, machine tool and general machinery. In order to advance the testing efficiency and safety capability for them, some new non-destructive testing techniques are required in China. The NDT techniques, standards and instruments in the world are reviewed in this paper. It was found that visual testing, magnetic particle testing, dye penetration testing and radiographic testing methods were mature and widely used. Ultrasonic testing method is mature for the testing of the nodulizing ratio of nodular cast iron. It needs to be consummated for the testing of defects by use of angle beam. There are not mature quick testing techniques and methods for the cracks of in-service cast iron components. The sound vibration testing technique, sound-ultrasonic testing technique and ultrasonic guided wave testing technique possess the potential capability for this problem. But a lot of studies need to be performed.