Over recent months, ACRS has observed a worrying increase in the number of fraudulent certificates accompanying imported steel, including those falsely bearing the ACRS mark. This poses a significant risk not only to the integrity of construction projects but also to safety standards across the industry. The sophistication of these counterfeit certificates, which often appear visually indistinguishable from authentic ones, and the increasing regularity by which they are being presented, once again highlights the need for purchasers to diligently verify the compliance of the steel products being purchased.

Fraudulent certificates are now produced to such a high standard that they can easily deceive the unwary, highlighting the need to prioritise the authentication of the steel, and accompanying certificates, at point of purchase and before being accepted onto site. 

Steel mesh products coming in from overseas are seeing more cases of nil or fake documentation than other products. The increase in demand for these products across the construction industry, and the highly competitive pricing on mesh products has encouraged higher import volumes, which in turn has created a fertile ground for counterfeit or lack of certificates. 

One of the most reliable methods to ensure the integrity of constructional steel products is to purchase materials exclusively from producers and traders who are accredited by recognised certification schemes, such as the ACRS, or ACRS equivalent. Doing so significantly reduces the risk of being misled by fraudulent certificates, as it relies on a verified chain of quality and compliance and full traceability from source to site.

ACRS-certified products benefit from an additional layer of verification that is available through cross-checking certificates with the details shown on the ACRS Cloud. This innovative platform offers a secure and user-friendly means to ensure the authenticity of ACRS certificates. Purchasers can access a comprehensive database that includes:

1.    Certificate details: Verification of the certificate's issue date, validity, and specific details related to the steel grade, type, and standards compliance.

2.Producer information: Comprehensive data about the certified producer, including their certification status, scope of certification, and contact details.

3.Product specifications: Detailed descriptions of the steel products covered under the certificate, ensuring alignment with project specifications and standards.

4.Certification updates: Real-time notifications about any changes in the certification status of producers or specific products, enabling purchasers to stay informed of any developments that might affect the compliance of their sourced steel.

Purchases can also authenticate certificates via the ACRS website. Doing so by either means mitigates the risk of incorporating uncertified or non-compliant steel into projects. The commitment to thorough due diligence in purchasing steel is a cornerstone of ensuring that construction and infrastructure projects not only meet but exceed the highest standards of safety, durability, and compliance.