Steel & Tube has confirmed it's one of three companies facing criminal charges, after an investigation into complaints about the use of substandard steel mesh.

The Commerce Commission said the companies misrepresented their seismic steel mesh and made unsubstantiated representations that it complied with standards, when it did not.

Steel & Tube chief executive David Taylor said it's clearly an industry issue.

He is arguing that ambiguities in the testing standard resulted in seismic mesh manufacturers and accredited testing laboratories applying different methodologies, and it has impacted everyone.

Mr Taylor said the company’s seismic mesh is externally tested by accredited laboratories.

Despite the Commerce Commission’s decision to lay charges, Taylor said the company stands by its products and has confidence in them.