As an extension of the earlier Quality control Order (QCO) issued by the Ministry of Steel, released on the 20th November 2025, the Competent Authority, the Government of India, has granted a conditional exemption from the mandatory compliance with the respective Quality control order (QCO) for specific steel products. This exemption covers the import of goods with a bill of lading dated on or before 30th June 2026, aimed at securing supply, addressing product shortages and assisting importers in obtaining BIS certification.
Validity of the Exemption
The government's exemption is deadline-driven and applies under specific conditions. According to the Ministry of Steel, this exemption is only valid for steel products with a shipment date (Bill of Lading) on or before 30th June 2026. Only goods dispatched before or on this date are qualified for the exemption. This exemption is a short-term regulatory relief measure, and importers should use this window strategically to plan.
Check the process of BIS Certification for Steels Products or other
Annexure I- Key Exempted Products (IS Standards & HS codes Exempted from QCO Compliance):-
The table below includes a complete list of ISI Standards and product descriptions that are included in the exemption:-
|
S. No. |
IS Standard |
Description |
ITC HS Code |
|
1 |
Square Tins - 15 kg/litre for Ghee, Vanaspati, Edible Oils and Bakery Shortenings |
73102110, 73102910 |
|
|
2 |
Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes - Specification |
73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73043919, 73043929, 73043939, 73045910, 73045920, 73045930, 73049000, 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090 |
|
|
3 |
Steel Tubes, Tubulars and Other Wrought Steel Fittings – Part 1: Steel Tubes |
73043119, 73043129, 73043919, 73043929, 73049000, 73063090, 73069019, 73069090 |
|
|
4 |
Drums, Large Open Top |
73101090 |
|
|
5 |
Stainless Steel Utensils - Specification |
73239310, 73239390 |
|
|
6 |
Bar or Wire Wrapped Steel Cylinder Products, Pipes with Mortar Lining and Coating, including Specials - Specifications |
73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090, 73079190, 73079290, 73079390, 73079990 |
|
|
7 |
Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade ‘A’ Drums |
73101090 |
|
|
8 |
Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade ‘B’ Drums |
73101090 |
|
|
9 |
Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes and Tubes for General Services - Specification |
73044100, 73044900 |
|
|
10 |
Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and Tubes for General Service |
73053190, 73053990, 73064000 |
|
|
11 |
Hot Dip Galvanised Stay Strand |
73121030, 73129000 |
|
|
12 |
Steel Drums (Galvanised and Ungalvanized) |
73101090, 73102190, 73102990 |
|
|
13 |
Bitumen Drums |
73101090 |
|
|
14 |
Steel Tubes Used for Water Wells - Specification |
73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73044100, 73044900, 73045110, 73045120, 73045130, 73045910, 73045920, 73045930, 73049000, 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73064000, 73065000, 73069090 |
|
|
15 |
Stainless Steel Tubes for the Food and Beverage Industry |
73044100, 73044900, 73064000 |
|
|
16 |
Square Tins for Solid Products |
73102110, 73102910 |
Key Implications for Importers
Based on the latest order, the ITC-HS codes listed in Annexure I are exempted from mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO) compliance by the designated authority. The following points summarise the key implications:
- Without the QCO compliance, importers can clear their shipments within the allowed timeframe.
- Any shipment made by importers after 30th June 2026 will require full compliance with QCO norms.
- The date acts as a cut-off for eligibility under the exemption.
Conclusion
The government’s decision indicates that certain steel product imports are exempt until 30th June 2026 to give temporary relief and flexibility to the business. Though the exemption is for short-term relief, businesses need to act with foresight, using this period to prepare for the reintroduction of compliance after the deadline.
