Unmasking the Counterfeit Cartel in Indian Steel Trade

In a significant legal development, SSAB, the Swedish steel conglomerate known for its high-performance wear-resistant Hardox® steel plates, has successfully clamped down on two Mumbai-based firms dealing in counterfeit versions of its product. The violators, Naresh Steel & Engineering Co. and Parmar Steel, were caught passing off low-grade imitations as genuine Hardox® plates by falsifying SSAB's official trademarks and mill certificates. These spurious products were visually similar but structurally inferior, posing substantial risks to customers in heavy-duty industries.

A Legal Salvo with Lasting Repercussions

After a meticulous investigation and a lawsuit filed in India, the two firms conceded to having infringed SSAB’s intellectual property rights. The court issued a permanent injunction against them, prohibiting further use of SSAB trademarks and logos. Both firms were compelled to pay exemplary damages and issue unconditional public apologies. Their statements acknowledged that "trademark infringement and passing off are gross violations of intellectual property rights of SSAB", thus reaffirming the seriousness of the violation. This landmark case reinforces SSAB’s stance on safeguarding its global brand integrity.

Protecting Industrial Users from Substandard Risks

Subodh Shinde, Country Head of SSAB Steel India, emphasized the broader consequences of counterfeit steel. “In the Mumbai area alone, there is a significant number of traders falsely claiming to sell Hardox® steel. These substandard alternatives can cause severe financial, operational, and safety damages to our customers.” SSAB’s swift legal strategy underscores its commitment to protecting buyers from the dangerous outcomes of using poor-quality steel in mining, construction, and heavy transport industries.

Hardox® Wear Plate: The Gold Standard in Durability

Hardox® wear plate is revered globally for its remarkable hardness, strength, and resistance to wear. It is engineered with precision to perform under extreme stress and abrasion. While not inexpensive, its superior properties ensure longevity and reduced downtime, making it a valuable investment for industries reliant on durability. SSAB cautions that extremely low-priced offers should immediately raise red flags, as they typically signify fraudulent or non-certified products.

An Ongoing War against Digital Deception

SSAB’s vigilance doesn’t stop at physical raids or legal notices. The company actively monitors digital platforms to stamp out false claims. Every month, it eliminates hundreds of misleading listings from online marketplaces like IndiaMART, social media advertisements, and fake supplier websites. This robust digital enforcement arm is critical in preventing the widespread infiltration of counterfeit steel through the virtual supply chain, where anonymity often emboldens malpractice.

Authorised Sellers: The Only Legitimate Source in India

To ensure authenticity, SSAB maintains a controlled distribution network. In India, genuine Hardox® wear plates can only be bought from SSAB’s direct sales team or its exclusive Indian distributor, Kamlesh Metal & Alloy. Customers are encouraged to verify supplier credentials via SSAB’s official channels. Additionally, for wear parts, SSAB mandates purchases only through its certified Hardox® Wearparts Centers, listed comprehensively on the Hardox® Wearparts website. These centres meet strict quality and sourcing standards, ensuring traceability.

The Hidden Perils of Counterfeit Steel

Buying counterfeit steel may seem economical but often leads to catastrophic costs. Structurally compromised materials can cause unexpected machinery failure, accidents, or loss of life. Furthermore, companies using fake steel risk regulatory penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Environmentally, such materials are often produced in unregulated conditions, resulting in higher emissions and waste. SSAB’s enforcement, therefore, extends beyond commerce, anchored in safety, sustainability, and customer trust.

A Legacy of Strength, Now Fossil-Free

SSAB’s efforts reflect its broader commitment to innovation and sustainability. Apart from traditional steel production, the company has pioneered SSAB Fossil-free™ steel and SSAB Zero™, made with recycled material and negligible CO₂ emissions. These offerings further amplify SSAB’s role as a leader in responsible manufacturing. With operations in over 50 countries and production bases in Sweden, Finland, and the US, SSAB continues to set benchmarks in ethical, high-performance steel solutions worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• SSAB won a trademark lawsuit against Naresh Steel & Parmar Steel for selling counterfeit Hardox® steel in India.

• Genuine Hardox® products are only available via SSAB and certified partners like Kamlesh Metal & Alloy.

• Counterfeit steel poses serious financial, operational, safety, and environmental risks.