ACRS note on Productivity Commission Interim Findings on Safeguard Measure for Structural Steel

ACRS notes Productivity Commission Interim Findings on Safeguard Measure for Structural Steel.

The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS) notes the Productivity Commission's interim finding that safeguard measures on imported fabricated structural steel are not warranted.

ACRS, however, remains concerned that increasing volumes of imported steel heighten the risk of non-conforming products entering Australian supply chains. 

Australians need to be aware non-conforming steel can create a range of build and public risks that may compromise build safety, durability and performance, creating substantial costs for asset owners, builders, governments and the broader community. With Australia entering a period of significant infrastructure, housing and energy investment, ACRS emphasises that independent certification remains an essential, low cost protection to ensure steel products meet Australian Standards and project specifications.  

ACRS urges specifiers, builders and certifiers to do the right thing by their customers and remain vigilant and ensure all steel products have the appropriate third-party certification, such as ACRS, for all supplied materials utilised in fabricated elements. 

In recent times it has become too easy for opportunist importers without the necessary professional knowledge and industry expertise to source and bring into Australia  non-compliant steel and fabricated steel products, often without awareness of the structural, safety and downstream cost risks this can create for asset owners and communities.

In this regard, ACRS advocates that governments consider implementing, rigorous third-party certification for imported critical structural products, in particular fabricated structural steel. As the Government considers the interim findings, ACRS calls for a comprehensive approach that supports a strong steel sector which industry and the public alike can rely on to deliver conforming, robust outcomes, regardless of product origin, while importantly maintaining the integrity of Australia’s built environment.