Steel is used in many industries in Saudi Arabia, from Oil and Gas to infrastructure. But many of the raw materials are imported from foreign suppliers, with factories located thousands of miles away.
To ensure that the products meet your required standards, steel inspections are crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of steel quality control – from using third party inspection in uae to practical strategies for successful inspections when purchasing steel from anywhere in the world.
What Factors to Take into Account When Purchasing Steel from Foreign Suppliers?
To begin with, it is crucial to comprehend the technical specifications of the products you intend to buy. Keep in mind that steel production standards vary from country to country, such as the ASTM steel standard in the US. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your supplier can fulfil your technical requirements, regardless of the steel standard they follow.
Some factors to consider when purchasing steel from foreign suppliers include the following:
- Technical specifications of the products.
- Steel production standards in the supplier’s country.
- Supplier’s ability to fulfil your technical requirements.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, it’s also important that you check your products meet the applicable regulations in Saudi Arabia, as depending on which product category you will import to Saudi Arabia – you may need to obtain a SASO certificate for that product category.
Conducting Steel Supplier Audits: A Guide to Selecting the Right Steel Vendor
One of the pivotal moments in choosing steel suppliers is finding a supplier who can fulfil your requirements in terms of quality, specifications, delivery time, and price.
Most steel producers are located in countries such as China, India, Japan, and Brazil, which can be thousands of miles away from your location.
To ensure that you are making the right choice, it is essential to conduct a factory audit if your chosen steel vendor is a manufacturer. A factory audit typically involves examining various aspects, such as:
- Manufacturer’s basic register information and background
- Bank information
- Production capability and existence
- Quality control and management system
- Human resources
By conducting a factory audit, you can establish a stronger connection with your supplier and minimise the risk of encountering problems in the future.
What is the Best Type of Quality Inspection for Steel Products?
Another way to mitigate risks is by using quality inspections. While there are four main types of quality inspections employed in quality control, pre-shipment and loading supervision are usually the most essential inspections for steel quality checks.
When it comes to conducting pre-shipment inspections (PSI) of steel products, there are two types to choose from:
- Inspecting a random sample of finished goods packed on-site
- Conducting a full inspection of all products
During the inspection, the inspector will assess various parameters, such as:
- Style and quantity check
- Steel dimension check
- Visual inspection of the steel to ensure that the products meet your specifications
For instance, the inspector will verify the actual weight of the steel by calibrating the weighting apparatus. They usually also examine the dimensions of plates, sheets, coils, bars, and pipes for thickness, width, diameter, outside diameter, wall thickness, straightness, ovality, and more.
Additionally, the workmanship of the produced goods will be visually inspected to identify any defects such as dents, scratches, uneven weld beads, with the acceptance of these imperfections being in line with the applicable standard.
Furthermore, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s Mill Test Certificate (MTC), chemical composition using a PMI Spectrometer, as well as the shipping mark and packing check to ensure that everything is in order before shipment.
Final Words
In conclusion, the steel market can be complex, especially in countries like China and India. However, most suppliers are reliable businesses. To reduce risks, conducting a supplier or factory audit, along with pre-shipment inspections and loading supervision, is highly recommended.