According to an official statement released on Monday, November 3, the Indian government has temporarily eased import restrictions on certain non-BIS compliant stainless steel products until December 31, 2025.
The decision comes amid a shortage of stainless steel in the domestic market, which prompted Indian authorities to ease the ban to ensure availability for downstream industries.
Import policy has eased on amid domestic supply shortage
Earlier, the government had included several grades of stainless steel under the mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO), which prohibited the production, storage, trading or sale of products not certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). As per the rule, imported stainless steel could enter India only after BIS inspects and approves the overseas manufacturing facilities from which the consignments are coming. Importers were also required to submit a BIS quality certificate.
Following the latest relaxation, imports of some non-conforming grades of stainless steel will now be allowed until the end of 2025, offering short-term relief to industries facing material shortages.
However, industry players have expressed concerns about the long-term impact.
“The government must have a consistent policy. If incentives continue to be given, substandard steel will continue to enter the Indian market and we will not be able to recover our investment,” said an official from one of the
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