India Steel Ministry eases import rules for select stainless-steel flat products

New Delhi: The Ministry of Steel has granted an exemption from mandatory input adherence for specified stainless-steel flat products after receiving industry representations. An official order, dated March 31, said, “In continuation to Order of even number dated 20th November, 2025 and in pursuance to the representations received from the stainless-steel importers, the Ministry has decided to grant exemption from mandatory input adherence for 3 Indian Standards (i.e. IS 6911, IS 5522 & IS 15997) of Stainless-steel flat products.” The order adds that, “The said exemption shall be valid for imports with Bill of lading having shipped on board date on or before 30.09.2026.”

What input adherence means

The exemption matters because, under the Bureau of Indian Standards’ quality control order framework, products covered by a Quality Control Order (QCO) must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and, for imported goods, the foreign manufacturer normally needs a BIS licence or certificate of conformity unless specifically exempted. BIS says that where domestic products are subject to mandatory compliance with Indian Standards, imported products must also comply, and that exemptions are issued by the line ministry through the relevant QCO.

Relief for stainless-steel importers

The ministry’s move follows earlier relief for stainless-steel importers. In its November 20, 2025 order, the ministry said it had reviewed industry concerns and cited “substantial advance payments already made to foreign manufacturers” as well as “the prevailing shortfall in domestic availability of 200 and 300 series stainless steel flat products as domestic capacities continue to ramp up.” It said the earlier exemption for IS 6911, IS 5522 and IS 15997 was being extended for imports with a Bill of Lading shipped on board date on or before March 31, 2026.

The broader QCO system, according to BIS guidance, is meant to enforce mandatory standards, standard marks and certification for covered products, with exemptions carved out by the relevant ministry where needed.