Why product substitution in security screens creates serious compliance and legal risk
A security screen is a tested system, not a collection of parts. Substituting components voids certification and exposes businesses to Australian Consumer Law penalties.
At Darley Aluminium, we are committed to delivering aluminium systems that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and performance.
This is why it is important to address a growing concern within the industry — the substitution of components within tested Security Screen systems.
A security screen is not simply a collection of individual parts. Under Australian Standard AS5039, it is a complete, engineered system that must be tested and approved as an assembly, including the mesh, frame, retention system, and hardware, through a NATA-accredited laboratory.
1. Cost of Non-Compliance
It is important to be reminded that a security screen is not a standalone product; it is a tested system.
When any component is substituted outside the tested specification, the original compliance no longer applies.
This can:
- compromise the structural integrity and performance of the system
- void warranties and test certification
- expose businesses to significant legal and commercial risk
- create potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law (ACL) relating to misleading or deceptive conduct
Compliance is not achieved through appearance — it is achieved through tested and approved system performance.
2. It’s a Financial Gamble
Importantly, businesses marketing products as “security screens” may be required by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to substantiate compliance claims with valid test evidence from a NATA-accredited laboratory.
As of 26 March 2026 (effective immediately), the ACCC enforced significantly higher maximum civil penalties for businesses that engage in false or misleading representations, including selling products as compliant with standards (like AS5039) when they are not.
As an industry, we all have a responsibility to protect consumers, uphold standards, and ensure products installed in Australian homes and buildings perform exactly as claimed.
We strongly encourage the use of only compliant materials and approved components specified for the tested system.
