The Fastener Quality Act (FQA), Public Law 101-592, was signed by President Bush on November 16, 1990. Since its enactment the FQA has been amended three times (Pub L. 104-113, Pub L. 105-234, and Pub L. 106-34) to further clarify and define the requirements of the original Act.

The Act protects the public safety by: (1) requiring that 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 Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) enforces the FQA on behalf of the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST). To report an FQA violation, call the OEE Hotline at 1-800-424-2980 or by submitting an enforcement lead/tip.

If you have a general question about the FQA, contact NIST by telephone at 301-975-4011 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To visit the FQA home page click here: Fastener Quality Act (FQA)