RINL warns public against counterfeit ‘Vizag TMT’ rebars

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, has warned the public, builders, and contractors against the sale of counterfeit TMT rebars in the market under the ‘Vizag TMT’ brand.

In a statement issued on Sunday, RINL said counterfeit products were being sold using deceptive packaging and misleading claims, misleading buyers into purchasing substandard steel. The company said the fake rebars do not comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and could compromise the strength, durability, and safety of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

RINL advised consumers to purchase Vizag TMT rebars only through authorised sources. It said every genuine Vizag TMT rebar carries distinct brand markings, and consumers can verify the authenticity of the products through the nearest RINL branch or marketing office. Details of authorised offices are available on the company’s official website.

Trade union leader J. Ayodhya Ramu condemned the circulation of counterfeit products, alleging that such practices were damaging the reputation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and posing a risk to public safety.

“At a time when employees are working to safeguard the plant’s legacy and operational stability, some fraudulent elements are misusing the goodwill associated with Vizag TMT for illegal gains,” he said.

He urged the authorities to take stringent legal action against those involved in the sale of counterfeit products and appealed to consumers and construction agencies to report suspected cases to the authorities. He also stressed the need to ensure that only genuine Vizag TMT steel is used in construction projects.