How to identify genuine TMT bars
Substandard and counterfeit reinforcement steel remains a real risk in the market. These seven checks will help you verify material before it is used in your structure.
A seven-point checklist
- Brand embossing. Genuine bars carry the manufacturer’s name or logo rolled onto the surface at regular intervals along the full length.
- Grade marking. The grade, such as 550D, is rolled onto the bar. Confirm that it matches what you ordered and what your drawings specify.
- ISI mark and licence number. The ISI mark should appear on the bar or bundle tag together with a BIS licence number (CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX). The licence can be verified in the official BIS Care app.
- Weight per metre. Weigh a measured length and compare it with the standard weight chart. A bar consistently below the permitted tolerance may be under-sized.
- Uniform ribs. Ribs should be evenly spaced, clearly defined and consistent along the bar. Irregular or worn ribs reduce bonding with concrete.
- Surface condition. Light surface rust is normal and harmless, but flaking, deep pitting or heavy scaling indicate poor storage or inferior material.
- Documentation. Insist on a proper GST invoice, and for project supplies request the manufacturer’s mill test certificate for the batch.
Buy from an accountable supplier
The simplest safeguard is to purchase from an established, GST-registered supplier who deals in recognised brands and stands behind every supply. Agrawal Steels has been supplying genuine, ISI-certified TMT bars in Nagpur since 2007.