When it comes to industrial pallet rack systems, safety, engineering integrity, and compliance with building codes aren’t optional—they’re essential. That’s why the R-Mark certification, issued by the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), is such a critical differentiator for buyers and specifiers of industrial racking.

A Symbol of Trust, Verified by Experts

ANSI MH16.1-2023R-Mark® isn’t just a logo, stressed Amit Kutumbale, Director of Engineering at RMI member Steel King Industries.

“It’s an assurance that the manufacturer’s rack designs meet the most current version of ANSI MH16.1, the recognized U.S. standard for industrial steel storage racks,” he said. “But more importantly, it means systems bearing the R-Mark logo were engineered and manufactured to meet the minimum standards as verified by a third-party licensed professional engineer. The review includes real-world load testing and verification of quality procedures to ensure a system meets those ANSI standards.”

Kutumbale likened R-Mark certification to other, more familiar, standards. “A good way to think about it is like USDA-certified meat. A buyer doesn’t need to be an expert to trust that it’s safe. A trusted third party verified that for you.”

Avoid Costly Surprises During Permitting

Purchasing from an R-Mark certified manufacturer ensures a rack system’s design conforms to the latest engineering standards. That can help avoid costly surprises during building permitting. This will become even more critical as jurisdictions gradually adopt the newest International Building Code, IBC 2024.

Kutumbale pointed specifically to the changes in the most recent RMI ANSI MH16.1 standard. It incorporates a new direct analysis methodology for engineering calculations related to stability and seismicity.

“If you source from a manufacturer that isn’t certified, you might find out—too late—that the racks aren’t up to code,” he said. “Then you’re forced to modify or even replace them. That’s a huge hit to your bottom line.”

R-Mark

Built-In Accountability

The R-Mark certification process is both rigorous and ongoing. Manufacturers must conduct physical load testing at a third-party lab to establish accurate engineering values. They must submit quality control documentation that governs raw material procurement, welding, and inspections. Further, each certified manufacturer must designate a Qualified Engineering Delegate (QED) who must annually verify adherence to these procedures.

“In Steel King’s case, that’s me,” said Kutumbale. “Every year, we have to attest that we’re still doing things by the book. Not only on paper, but also in the shop.”

Not Just Engineering—A Culture of Safety

The value of R-Mark extends beyond compliance. It reflects a manufacturer’s long-term commitment to engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and worker safety.

R-Mark manufacturers are already doing the work to meet the next generation of codes, even though not all states have adopted them yet. As more jurisdictions move toward the latest methods, R-Mark ensures a rack owner is prepared for what’s next.

“It’s coming,” Kutumbale noted. “Municipalities in states like Kansas, Tennessee, and Wyoming have already started adopted the new standard. California will follow soon. Buying R-Mark certified rack gives you a head start, and peace of mind.”

Buyer Beware: Know What You’re Getting

Kutumbale noted that buying rack from a non-certified source may seem cheaper upfront. This is particularly true of areas that haven’t yet updated their permitting requirements. But that short-term savings comes with long-term risk, he cautioned.

“If your racking doesn’t meet the standard when it matters—whether in a building inspection or, worse, after a structural failure—you could be facing financial losses and legal exposure,” he said. “Not using an R-Mark certified manufacturer is like hiring a financial planner who isn’t certified. You’re taking a gamble with something that should be secure.”

The value of the R-Mark, therefore, lies in what it protects, concluded Kutumbale. “Your people, your investment, and your operation. When it comes to safety and compliance, investing in R-Mark certified rack is worth every penny.”

Find R-Mark Certified Rack Manufacturers

Currently there are more than 30 R-Mark certified manufacturers. For more details about the R-Mark certification program and how it benefits storage rack buyers, visit RMI’s website.