Steelmaker suspended from CARES approval following spot checks

Unannounced spot check inspections have uncovered serious breaches in safety-critical reinforcing steel data by ASAS Steel FZC. As a result, CARES—the world’s leading steel certification authority—has suspended the company’s approval.

Audit teams inspected steel stock held by ASAS Steel at a key Middle East port. They identified billet originating from non-approved suppliers, along with inconsistencies in records relating to the traceability of raw materials. Following these findings, CARES has suspended ASAS Steel’s CARES Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete Scheme (SRC) Certification.

“Today’s decision was not taken lightly,” said CARES Chief Executive Officer, Lee Brankley. “We recognise the significant commercial implications of a suspension. However, CARES has a duty to uphold transparency and trust in reinforcing steel certification, and we will act decisively when non-compliances are identified.”

Mr Brankley praised the CARES audit team for their diligence: “These inspections underline our commitment to respond promptly and professionally wherever concerns arise about CARES approved companies.”

During the inspections, at Hamriyah Free Zone, CARES auditors used advanced digital technologies to cross-reference data uploads from the CARES Upstream Cloud. This confirmed discrepancies in ASAS Steel’s recordkeeping systems.

ASAS Steel has been formally advised of the non-conformities and their consequences. Until further notice, ASAS Steel is prohibited from presenting or supplying reinforcing steel as CARES-certified.

CARES has issued a major non-conformity notice supported by a full dossier of inspection findings to the company. The suspension can only be lifted following a full reassessment and successful resolution of all non-conformities, after which ASAS Steel may reapply for approval.