Steel sector norms: Government extends exemption from quality compliance; here’s the next deadline

The government has postponed the implementation of mandatory quality standards for certain imported steel and stainless-steel products until March 2026, in order to secure the supply of crucial steel items. Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which prevent non-BIS-compliant steel from entering the country, had earlier seen certain exemptions. The Ministry of Steel had allowed specified steel imports to bypass compliance until October 31, 2025. On Thursday, the ministry clarified, “The exemption has been extended to imports with Bill of Lading having shipped on board date on or before 31.03.2026.” Exemptions for three Indian Standards relating to stainless steel flat products: IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997, have also been extended, moving the compliance deadline from December 31, 2025 to March 2026. The ministry explained that the move is aimed at safeguarding stakeholder interests and ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential steel products as domestic production capacity expands in line with India’s self-reliance objectives. The decision comes after considering the concerns raised by industry participants. Separately, the ministry also announced a simplification of import rules for steel grades not covered under any QCOs, following recommendations from a high-level committee. “Based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR), it has been decided that steel grades not covered by any QCO will no longer require clarification or NOC from the Ministry of Steel,” the statement, cited by PTI read.