Fastener Quality Act Law and Legal Definition
Fastener Quality Act (FQA) is provided under 15 USCS § 5410. The FQA was enacted to protect public safety, deter introduction of nonconforming fasteners into U.S. commerce and provide increased assurance to fastener users that, products meet stated standards. The FQA protects the public safety by using the measures such as:
1. requiring certain fasteners sold in commerce conform to the specifications to which they are represented to be manufactured,
2. providing for accreditation of laboratories engaged in fastener testing, and
3. requiring inspection, testing and certification in accordance with standardized methods.
The dumping of substandard products to the U.S. marketplace can also be controlled by the regulations in FQA. Fastener head markings are required for fasteners that come under FQA requirements. A registry program is provided for manufacturers that want unique head markings for their products.
Violations of FQA knowingly is punished by providing criminal penalties that could be a fine and five years' imprisonment or both for each violation. Intentional failure to maintain records results in a fine and two years' imprisonment or both per count.
