After the implementation of the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, it has become mandatory to obtain BIS certification for steel grades and steel products covered under the said QCO_ The objective of this QCO is to prevent the entry of substandard steel products into the Indian market and to promote the domestic steel manufacturing industry.

However, certain specialized steel grades that are not currently manufactured in India and require advanced technology have been kept outside the scope of the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order after consultation with domestic manufacturers, until the country develops the capability to manufacture such grades domestically.

Therefore, any person importing or manufacturing any steel product or steel grade falling within the scope of the QCO is required to comply with the provisions of the Quality Control Order and mandatorily obtain a BIS licence before import or manufacture of such products.

Earlier, the Ministry of Steel used to issue NOCs for steel grades and steel products that were not falling within the scope of the applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and importers were required to produce such NOCS at the time of customs clearance. Further, the Ministry of Steel had limited the scope of its QCOs primarily to steel products covered under HS Code 72, whereas products falling under HS Code 73 were regulated by DPIIT Accordingly, DPIIT was issuing NOCs for non-QCO steel products and steel grades covered under HS Code 73.

However, in November 2025, DPIIT, in consultation with Ministry of Steel and BIS, transferred the authority and re ulation of steel roducts covered under HS Code 73 to the Minist of Steel.

However, the Ministry of Steel has removed the earlier concept of issuing NOCS and introduced the QCO Exemption mechanism. This exemption is available for steel products that fall within the scope of the applicable QCO.

Further, where a steel product or grade does not fall within the scope of the QCO, the importer may submit a request to the Ministry of Steel for inclusion of such product or grade under the "Non-QCO" category.

An importer intending to apply for a QCO exemption is required to submit the application through the SIMS 2.0 Portal and provide the following details and documents at the time of filing the application.

• ITC HS Code
• IS Standard
• Grade Name
• Manufacturer Grade Name
• Country of Origin
• Manufacturer Name
• Intended Quanti to be 1m orted
• Prodyct Cateao
• End Use and End User Details
• Detailed technical justification for import
• Sample Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
• product photographs/mages
• BIS licence details or BIS justification, wherever applicable