Have Import Regulations for Steel Grades Not Under QCOs Been Eased?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Indian government has introduced new measures to simplify the import process for steel grades not governed by Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This change aims to enhance the ease of doing business within the steel industry, reflecting the government's responsiveness to industry concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Regulations for steel imports not under QCOs have been simplified.
- Importers can generate SIMS numbers directly online.
- No further NOC is required from the Ministry of Steel.
- Exemption timelines for certain steel products have been extended.
- Government responsiveness to industry concerns is evident.
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) The government has unveiled new initiatives to simplify the regulations surrounding the importation of steel grades that are not subject to Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the concerns raised by industry stakeholders.
To enhance the regulatory environment for steel imports and promote ease of doing business, the Ministry of Steel conducted a comprehensive review of the current import requirements.
The necessity for obtaining clarification or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel for importing steel grades outside the purview of any QCO has also been reconsidered.
“Following the recommendations put forth by the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR), it has been determined that steel grades not encompassed by any Quality Control Order will no longer necessitate clarification or NOC from the Ministry of Steel,” as stated in an official announcement.
All steel grades not included under any QCO—spanning all HSN Codes associated with the Ministry of Steel—have been cataloged on the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal.
Importers can now directly generate SIMS numbers for these non-QCO grades via the Portal without needing to seek any reference or approval from the Ministry of Steel, the statement added.
According to the Quality Control Orders issued by the Ministry of Steel, all steel grades included under these Orders must be imported exclusively from manufacturers holding valid and operational BIS licenses for the respective grades.
In instances where the import of QCO-covered steel grades is proposed from manufacturers without BIS licenses, an exemption mechanism is already established, and such applications are reviewed by the committee formed on May 14, 2020.
This committee, which includes representatives from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and industry experts, will continue to assess applications and determine whether to grant exemptions for importing QCO-covered steel products produced by non-BIS licensee units, as per the ministry.
Moreover, in response to industry representations, the Ministry had previously granted an exemption from mandatory QCO compliance for designated Chapter 73 steel products for imports with a Bill of Lading indicating a shipping date on or before 31.10.2025.
“This exemption has now been extended to imports with a Bill of Lading showing a shipping date on or before 31.03.2026,” the ministry confirmed.
Additionally, the ministry had earlier exempted three Indian Standards applicable to stainless steel flat products—IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997—for imports with a Bill of Lading indicating a shipping date on or before 31.12.2025.
“This exemption has also been extended to imports with a Bill of Lading showing a shipping date on or before 31.03.2026,” it added.
Point of View
I view this regulatory adjustment as a positive step towards enhancing the business climate in India’s steel sector. By addressing industry concerns and simplifying import regulations, the government demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more conducive environment for trade and commerce, ensuring that industry stakeholders can operate more efficiently.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new measures announced for steel imports?
The government has eased regulations for importing steel grades not covered under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and removed the requirement for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel.
How does this affect importers of steel?
Importers can now generate SIMS numbers directly from the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal for non-QCO grades, streamlining the import process.
What is the role of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms?
This committee provided recommendations that led to the easing of import regulations, enhancing the business landscape for steel imports.
What exemptions have been extended?
Exemptions from mandatory QCO compliance for specified Chapter 73 steel products have been extended for imports with a Bill of Lading showing a shipping date on or before 31.03.2026.
