The Government of India will accelerate the approval of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for steel imports from Taiwan to ensure uninterrupted supplies for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), government officials confirmed on Monday, September 22.
Faster BIS approvals to facilitate supply chain
According to the Indian Mandatory Quality Control (QCO) orders, several steel products cannot be imported unless they are BIS certified. The certification process requires a physical inspection of foreign factories, which often leads to months of delays for exporters.The OCC currently covers stainless steel slabs, hot-rolled rolls, and cold-rolled rolls requiring BIS approval for import with bills of lading dated June 16 or earlier.
MSMEs face delays in importing steel from Taiwan
Importers stressed that permits for some Taiwanese factories have been under review since July, leading to a halt in supplies. Many Indian buyers who have paid upfront are still waiting for deliveries, which poses liquidity and operational challenges. For MSMEs, purchasing steel at competitive prices from Taiwan is crucial, as domestic producers often charge higher prices, reducing margins.
"Some Taiwanese factories already meet the standards as integrated steel mills, but are awaiting official approval. The government is currently speeding up obtaining permits," the official said.
Taiwan is a key source of steel for India
Taiwan remains one of the leading steel suppliers to India, in particular
