Steel pipe makers unite against counterfeit products

International steel pipe producers from all over the world have met to pledge to work together in the fight against counterfeit steel products.

The meeting between representatives of 18 steel producers took place in Dusseldorf, Germany with the ultimate goal of developing joint working plan of action to combat the presence of dangerous, uncertified, counterfeit steel on global markets.

During the meeting members shared plans to establish an official entity to represent the common interest of the members. Members also shared experience and knowledge of the legal actions necessary to discourage and prosecute counterfeit steel producers.

Andrey Burtsev, Vice-President of sales Middle East and North Africa, Interpipe said: “The presence of counterfeit steel is growing problem in the Middle East. Uncertified steel products, which are widely used in civil engineering in this region, may have negative implications on safety and structural integrity.

“Counterfeiters may copy certificates and production documents, but they cannot copy quality. This is a very real threat, and as a part of this initiative we aim to work closely with suppliers, official authorities and government to ensure the steel industry remains a safe and fair place to do business. ”

Carlo Farina, Managing Director, Dr.Friedrich Geldbach, Gmbh said: “Today, for the very first time, steel suppliers are unified in their efforts against counterfeit steel – bringing the issue and the dangers of fake steel into the public domain. The primary goal of the ‘Fight Fake Products Initiative’ is to act as a strong, coherent voice for European industry in the fight against the manufacture, distribution and sales of counterfeited products.”