The Fastener Quality Act (Public Law 101-592) has been passed by the United States Congress and is law. This far-reaching piece of legislation is intended to eliminate counterfeit fasteners from the marketplace. Counterfeit fasteners are fasteners made from something other than what is indicated by the head mark and will not perform to the strength level indicated.

The law requires that certain fasteners - mainly threaded fasteners which are grade marked or quenched and tempered - be inspected and tested in an accredited labratory, certified by their manufacturer to conform to stated standards, and delivered in packaging that is marked with the lot number.