In the UAE, using certified reinforcement steel is a must, not an option. If you choose non-certified steel, you’d be exposing your business to one or more safety, legal financial and loss of credibility risks. In This blog we will explain what can go wrong and how UAE laws and standards apply.

UAE Regulation For Reinforcement Steel In The Construction Industry

• Cabinet Resolution No. (121) of 2023 Concerning the UAE Scheme for Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement: All carbon steel products for concrete reinforcement and billets, whether imported, locally manufactured, or produced in free zones, must comply with the UAE ECAS Scheme, as per Cabinet Resolution No. (121) of 2023. These products are required to have the ECAS mark, be fully traceable, and include a Digital Product Passport (DPP) containing batch-specific data accessible via a dynamic QR code.
• DCL Certificate: Dubai Central Laboratory Certification for reinforcement steel is an official Certificate of Product Conformity issued by the Dubai Central Laboratory Department (DCLD), by Dubai Municipality. It certifies that the steel complies with relevant local and international standards. This certification confirms that the product has been evaluated, meets all required criteria, and is authorized to stamp the DCL Conformity Mark.
• Abu Dhabi & QCC Certification Schemes: In Abu Dhabi, the Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has its own certification schemes and Trustmark for construction steel. Steel used needs to meet these performance and environmental requirements.

○ Risks & Penalties

• Penalties & Fines: If you don’t follow the regulations (like using non-ECAS or non-DCL steel), you could end up paying huge penalties and future restrictions.
• Project Approval Delays or Rejection: Project Plans using non-certified reinforcement steel products may not receive approval from relevant authorities. This can lead to delays or rejection of permits.
• Contractual Breach & Liability: Using non-certified reinforcement steel may constitute a breach of contract, as most construction agreements mandate compliance with applicable laws and standards. This can result in legal claims, financial liabilities, or termination of the contract
• Safety Risks:Non-certified reinforcement steel poses serious safety risks due to its uncertain mechanical and chemical properties. It may lead to structural weaknesses, such as cracking, premature deterioration, or collapse under stress. In critical structures, this increases the danger to occupants and workers, especially during extreme loads, environmental exposure, or seismic events.

○ Financial & Credibility Loss

• Repair and Rework Costs: If non-certified steel fails inspections or is found to be non-compliant during construction, it may need removal and replacement. This costs time and money, often much more than using certified steel from the start.
• Loss of Reputation & Credibility: Contractors, suppliers or project owners associated with non-compliant steel may lose credibility and trust with clients, regulators, and the market.

○ Sustainability Impacts

• Lack of Traceability: Non-certified steel typically lacks Digital Product Passports, making it difficult to ensure traceability, verify environmental performance, or comply with UAE sustainability frameworks such as ESTIDAMA, SAAFAT, and LEED. This undermines efforts to meet green building targets and can lead to non-compliance with government-mandated sustainability requirements.

Using non-certified reinforcement steel may seem cost effective upfront, but it carries significant risks, including project delays, safety issues, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

In the UAE, schemes like ECAS and Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) certifications are mandatory for reinforcement steel. Choosing certified steel is not just about legal compliance—it’s essential for delivering safe, sustainable, and regulation-aligned construction projects.

Build with Quality. Build with Compliance.
Partnering with trusted reinforcement steel manufacturers certified under ECAS and DCL ensures your projects meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance from day one.

Whether you need welded wire mesh/welded fabric, reinforcement bars, or coils, AGBS delivers ECAS & DCL certified, high-quality-sustainable reinforcement steel products backed by credibility and experience.
Quality First – Al Gurg Building Services,

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