Steel Association Introduces QR Code-based Scheme to Thwart Test Result Fabrication

In order to prevent the instances of fabricating mill test certificates and thereby reduce the volume of low-quality steel product imports, the Korean Iron & Steel Association has introduced a new QR code-based scheme called “QReal” and entered an emergency mode to fully implement the scheme.  According to the association, the imports of steel products during the first half of the year were 11.21 million tons, up 15.5 percent from the same period last year. Of these, as much as 6.55 million tons, or 58.4 percent, originated from China, rising 31.0 percent from a year ago.