This study compares the snow load provisions recommended in design codes used in China, USA, Canada and the EU. It shows that the basic snow load requirements in Chinese standard are too simplistic to cope with major factors that control the complex roof snow load patterns. The recommended critical roof slope in Chinese standard is the lowest among the considered four design codes. Furthermore, the recommended snow loads for the gable, arched and step roofs in Chinese standard differ from the other three design codes in terms of the snow load pattern. The comparison allowed us to suggest some preliminary modifications to snow load requirements in Chinese standard, although a detailed probability-based calibration is needed to confirm the recommended changes.