India Eases Steel Import Norms with New Clarity on QCO and Exemption Processes

After reviewing feedback from industry stakeholders and examining the regulatory impact, the Ministry has completely removed the requirement for obtaining any such clarification or NOC.

To simplify import procedures and promote ease of doing business, the Ministry of Steel has revised and clarified several regulatory requirements related to steel imports. These reforms are part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens, enhance transparency, and support the country's manufacturing ecosystem.

The latest updates follow a comprehensive review undertaken by the Ministry and incorporate recommendations from the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR). The result is a clearer, more predictable system for importers dealing with both Quality Control Order (QCO)-covered and non-QCO steel grades.

Updated Rules for Import of Steel Grades Not Covered Under QCOs

One of the most significant changes concerns the import of steel grades not covered under any existing Quality Control Order. Previously, importers were required to obtain a clarification or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel—an additional procedural step that often resulted in delays and inefficiencies.

After reviewing feedback from industry stakeholders and examining the regulatory impact, the Ministry has completely removed the requirement for obtaining any such clarification or NOC. This step alone is expected to significantly reduce import processing time and administrative effort for businesses.

To ensure smooth implementation:

• All non-QCO steel grades, across all Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) Codes relating to the Ministry of Steel, have been fully mapped on the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) portal.

• Importers can now directly generate SIMS numbers for these steel grades without any need for Ministry-level reference or approval.

• This automated mapping ensures that there is no ambiguity regarding which products fall outside the QCO framework.

By eliminating a major approval bottleneck, the Ministry has aligned these procedures with global best practices for trade facilitation.

Continued Requirements for Import of QCO-Covered Steel Grades

For steel grades that are covered under Quality Control Orders, the regulatory requirements remain firmly in place. As per the existing QCO framework:

• Only steel manufactured by units holding valid BIS licences for the specific grade is permitted for import.

• QCOs are designed to ensure that steel entering the Indian market meets defined safety, quality, and performance benchmarks.

However, recognizing that certain situations may warrant flexibility—such as supply shortages, technology-specific imports, or unique industrial applications—the Ministry has retained an exemption mechanism.

Exemption Process for Imports from Non-BIS Licensed Manufacturers

The exemption mechanism for importing QCO-covered steel from manufacturers lacking BIS certification remains fully operational. This mechanism allows for case-by-case assessment and ensures that critical industry requirements can be met without compromising safety or regulatory objectives.

Key features of the exemption process include:

• Applications are reviewed by a Committee constituted under Order No. 1(9)/2019-TD dated 14 May 2020.

• The Committee includes representatives from:

  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

  • Technical and industry experts

• The Committee evaluates each application based on technical merit, market necessity, and compliance safeguards before approving or rejecting an exemption request.

Applicants seeking exemption can submit requests through the designated portal at https://sims.steel.gov.in/QCOEXEMPTIO.

Impact of the Reforms

These procedural refinements are expected to deliver multiple benefits:

• Reduced processing times for non-QCO steel imports

• Improved ease of doing business, particularly for MSMEs and niche industry segments

• Greater transparency through SIMS portal mapping

• Continued assurance of quality for critical steel grades covered under QCOs

The reforms also reflect the government's broader agenda to rationalize regulations, promote trade efficiency, and enhance India’s competitiveness in the global steel ecosystem.

The Ministry of Steel’s latest procedural clarifications mark an important step toward modernizing India’s steel import regulatory framework. By eliminating unnecessary approvals for non-QCO steel grades and strengthening a structured exemption mechanism for QCO-covered products, the government aims to balance quality assurance with business convenience. These strategic reforms will support industry growth, reduce compliance friction, and create a more predictable import environment for stakeholders across the value chain.