Steel association, four manufacturers launch domestic color-coated steel quality campaign

The Korea Iron & Steel Association has joined forces with four domestic color-coated steel manufacturers to launch a joint campaign aimed at raising the quality and reliability of locally made products. The initiative will guide buyers on how to verify a steel sheet's manufacturer and key specifications, and strengthen channels for communicating with manufacturers when quality problems arise.

The association's Steel Structure Center announced Wednesday that it is running the "Quality Starts with Domestic Color-Coated Steel" campaign together with Dongkuk Coated Metal, KG Dongbusteel, Posco Steeleon and Seah CM.

Color-coated steel is produced by applying plating and paint coatings to steel sheet surfaces to enhance color and durability. It is used across a wide range of applications, including building roofs and exterior walls and home appliances.

Judging quality from appearance alone is difficult, however, as actual steel thickness, coating condition and corrosion resistance are not visible to the eye. Building materials in particular require close scrutiny of specifications and quality-control records, given their prolonged exposure to outdoor environments.

Some imported coated and plated steel products have drawn scrutiny in recent years over issues including coating weights that fell short of standards and the presence of hexavalent chromium.

The association said verifying actual product specifications and inspection results matters more than relying solely on country of origin or price to assess quality.

The campaign focuses on guiding buyers and contractors on how to check quality information for the products they purchase.

As a first step, buyers will be directed to verify the manufacturer and product details through the product label and the "back marking" printed on the reverse side of the steel sheet.

Back marking is a method of displaying manufacturer and product information on the underside of a steel sheet. The association plans to build on a back-marking project it launched last year, spreading the practice of checking that information during purchasing and delivery.

The campaign will also explain how to obtain and read product test certificates. Buyers will be supported in requesting certificates from suppliers and checking that the product identification details on the certificate match the steel sheets actually delivered.

Particular emphasis will be placed on guiding buyers through the key specifications to check at the time of purchase — including steel thickness, coating type and coating weight.

The campaign will also improve the system for handling quality problems that emerge after a product is in use.

The association plans to publicize each manufacturer's quality inquiry channels and complaint-handling procedures, and to provide access to technical consultation when needed.

Going forward, the association is considering factory tours, roundtable meetings and product briefings for end users such as architectural panel manufacturers and contractors. It also plans to expand cooperation by providing raw materials information needed for composite material certification.

The association said it will work with domestic manufacturers to broaden product information disclosure and reduce inconvenience for end users across the full cycle — from purchasing through post-installation quality support.