Introduction
The Ministry of Steel has issued a latest notification dated 08 April 2026, introducing a temporary exemption from BIS certification under multiple Steel Quality Control Orders (QCOs).This update provides significant relief to importers and manufacturers dealing with specific steel products.
As per this notification, selected steel products are temporarily exempted from mandatory BIS certification, subject to a key condition – the import shipment must be completed on or before 30 June 2026, based on the Bill of Lading date.
Key Highlights of Steel QCO Exemption 2026
- Issued By: Ministry of Steel, Government of India
- Issue Date: 08 April 2026
- Reference: Continuation of earlier order dated 20 November 2025 under Steel Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
- Subject: Temporary Exemption from BIS Certification for Selected Steel Products
- Standard Applicable: Multiple Indian Standards (IS) under Steel QCOs (temporarily relaxed)
- Products Covered: Selected steel products listed in Annexure I (including steel tubes, stainless steel products, drums, and packaging materials)
- Exemption Condition: Applicable only for imports with Bill of Lading dated on or before 30 June 2026
- Applicable To: Importers, foreign manufacturers, traders, and steel industry stakeholders
- Exemption Period: Valid till 30 June 2026 (based on shipment date)
- Purpose: To facilitate smooth imports and avoid disruption in steel supply chain
View Official Notification
What is the Latest Steel QCO Exemption Update
The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has issued a notification dated 08 April 2026, announcing a temporary exemption from BIS certification for specific steel products covered under multiple Steel Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
Under normal circumstances, these steel products are required to comply with mandatory BIS certification (ISI marking) before they can be imported, manufactured, or sold in the Indian market. However, through this latest update, the government has provided a time-bound relaxation to ease import restrictions and support industry requirements.
Key Points of the Update
- The exemption applies only to selected steel products listed in Annexure I of the official notification
- It covers multiple IS standards under different Steel QCOs (not a single QCO)
- The exemption is temporary and conditional, not permanent
- It is applicable only to imported products, not domestic manufacturing
- The benefit is available only if the Bill of Lading date is on or before 30 June 2026
- After the deadline, BIS certification will become mandatory again for all applicable products
Validity of BIS Exemption for Steel Products
The BIS exemption for steel products announced under the latest Steel QCO update is strictly time-bound and conditional. Businesses must clearly understand the validity period to avoid compliance issues during import.
As per the Ministry of Steel notification, the exemption is valid only up to 30 June 2026, and this validity is determined based on the Bill of Lading (shipment date), not the invoice date or arrival date in India.
Key Validity Conditions
- The exemption is applicable only if the Bill of Lading is dated on or before 30 June 2026
- Shipments dispatched after 30 June 2026 will not be eligible for exemption
- The exemption is linked to the date of shipment, not customs clearance or delivery
- All applicable steel products must comply with BIS certification after the deadline
Understanding the Bill of Lading Condition
The Bill of Lading (BoL) is a crucial document in import transactions, as it serves as proof of shipment. Under this update:
- If the BoL date is within the exemption period, BIS certification is not required
- If the BoL date is beyond 30 June 2026, the exemption will not apply, even if the order was placed earlier
This condition makes it essential for importers to plan shipments carefully and ensure dispatch timelines are aligned with the exemption deadline.
In simple terms, the exemption is valid only for shipments completed before the deadline, and any delay beyond this date will result in mandatory BIS compliance under the applicable Steel QCOs.
Implementation Timeline of Steel QCO Exemption 2026
The temporary exemption from BIS certification for selected steel products has been introduced for a limited time period by the Ministry of Steel. Businesses must clearly understand these timelines to ensure smooth imports and avoid compliance risks
Implementation Dates
Start Date - 08 April 2026 (Date of Notification)
End Date - 30 June 2026 (Based on Bill of Lading / Shipment Date)
During this period, BIS certification requirements for specified steel products are temporarily not mandatory, allowing importers and stakeholders to import goods without compliance under QCO.
However, this is a temporary exemption, and businesses must prepare for the mandatory implementation of BIS certification after 30 June 2026, as QCO enforcement will resume.
Get Service NowList of Steel Products Covered Under QCO Exemption
The latest Steel QCO exemption applies only to specific steel products listed in Annexure I of the official notification issued by the Ministry of Steel. This means the exemption is not applicable to all steel products, but only to selected categories defined under various Indian Standards (IS).
To make it easier to understand, the covered products can be grouped into the following major categories:
| SI. No. | IS_Standard | Description | ITC_HS_Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IS 10325:2000 | Square Tins – 15 kg/litre for Ghee, Vanaspati, Edible Oils and Bakery Shortenings | 73102110, 73102910 |
| 2 | IS 1161:2014 | Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes – Specification | 73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73043919, 73043929, 73043939, 73045910, 73045920, 73045930, 73049000, 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090 |
| 3 | IS 1239 (Part 1):2004 | Steel Tubes, Tubulars and Other Wrought Steel Fittings – Specification (Part 1 Steel Tubes) | 73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73043929, 73049000, 73063090, 73069090 |
| 4 | IS 13997:2014 | Drums, Large Open Top | 73101090 |
| 5 | IS 14756:2024 | Stainless Steel Utensils – Specification | 73239310, 73239390 |
| 6 | IS 15155:2020 | Bar or Wire Wrapped Steel Cylinder Products Pipes with Mortar Lining and Coating Including Specials – Specification | 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090, 73079190, 73079290, 73079390, 73079990 |
| 7 | IS 1783 (Part 1):2014 | Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade A | 73101090 |
| 8 | IS 1783 (Part 2):2014 | Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade B | 73101090 |
| 9 | IS 17875:2022 | Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes and Tubes for General Services – Specification | 73044100, 73044900 |
| 10 | IS 17876:2022 | Stainless Steel Welded Pipes and Tubes for General Service | 73053190, 73053990, 73064000 |
| 11 | IS 2141:2005 | Hot Dip Galvanized Stay Strand | 73121030, 73129000 |
| 12 | IS 2552:1989 | Steel Drums (Galvanized and Ungalvanized) | 73101090, 73102190, 73102990 |
| 13 | IS 3575:1993 | Bitumen Drums | 73101090 |
| 14 | IS 4270:2001 | 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 | IS 6913:1973 | Stainless Steel Tubes for the Food and Beverage Industry | 73044100, 73044900, 73064000 |
| 16 | IS 916:2000 | Square Tins for Solid Products | 73102110, 73102910 |
Applicable IS Standards & ITC HS Codes
Under this Steel QCO exemption, the applicability is not general but strictly based on specific Indian Standards (IS codes) and corresponding ITC HS Codes, as defined in the official notification.
While the detailed list of products, IS standards, and HS codes is provided above, it is important to understand how these two elements impact your eligibility for exemption.
Why IS Standards Matter
Each steel product is governed by a specific Indian Standard (IS) under BIS, which defines its technical specifications and quality requirements.
- The exemption is applicable only to specific IS standards listed in the notification
- Any product falling outside these standards will still require mandatory BIS certification
- Even minor variation in product specification can change its applicable IS standard
Role of ITC HS Codes in Import Clearance
The ITC HS Code is used by customs authorities to classify imported goods and determine compliance requirements.
- The exemption is valid only when the declared HS code matches the notified list
- Customs authorities rely heavily on HS codes to approve or reject exemption claims
- Incorrect HS code classification may lead to shipment hold, rejection, or penalties
Key Compliance Considerations
To avail the exemption smoothly, businesses must ensure
- Accurate mapping of product with the correct IS standard
- Correct declaration of ITC HS Code as per notification
- Proper documentation aligned with Bill of Lading condition
- Verification of product eligibility before shipment
Is BIS Certification Required for Steel Products Now
As per the latest Ministry of Steel notification dated 08 April 2026, BIS certification for selected steel products is temporarily not required, but only under specific conditions.
This means that businesses can import certain steel products without BIS certification during the exemption period. However, this relaxation is not absolute and must be clearly understood to avoid compliance risks.
Current Status (During Exemption Period)
- BIS certification is not mandatory for selected steel products
- The exemption is applicable only to products listed in Annexure I
- It is valid only if the Bill of Lading date is on or before 30 June 2026
- Applicable mainly to imported goods, not domestic manufacturing
When BIS Certification is Still Required
Even during this exemption period, BIS certification will be required
- The product is not listed under the exemption notification
- The IS standard does not match the notified list
- The ITC HS code is incorrectly declared
- The shipment is dispatched after 30 June 2026
What Happens After 30 June 2026?
The temporary exemption provided under the Steel QCO update is valid only till 30 June 2026. After this date, the exemption will automatically expire, and full compliance with BIS certification will become mandatory again for all applicable steel products.
This means that businesses can no longer import or sell the covered steel products without meeting the required BIS (ISI) certification standards.
From 01 July 2026 onwards
- BIS certification will be compulsory for all applicable steel products
- All relevant Steel QCOs will be fully enforced again
- Imports without BIS certification will not be allowed
- Products may be held or rejected at customs if not compliant
Impact of This Update on Importers & Manufacturers
The Steel QCO exemption provides short-term relief to importers and manufacturers by allowing the import of specified steel products without BIS certification. However, this relief is limited and conditional, requiring businesses to plan carefully.
Immediate Benefits
- Import of selected steel products without BIS certification
- Faster procurement and reduced compliance delays
- Opportunity to complete pending or urgent shipments
- Temporary cost savings on certification requirements
Key Challenges
- Exemption applies only to specific products and conditions
- Strict dependency on Bill of Lading date (before 30 June 2026)
- Risk of shipment rejection in case of incorrect classification
- Limited time window for taking advantage of the exemption
Official Notification for Steel QCO Exemption
The temporary exemption from BIS certification for selected steel products has been officially notified by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India through its latest order dated 08 April 2026.
Conclusion
The latest Steel QCO exemption issued by the Ministry of Steel provides a temporary relief from BIS certification for selected steel products, valid till 30 June 2026 under specific conditions. While this update allows businesses to import without BIS certification for a limited period, it is important to understand that the exemption is not permanent and is strictly based on the Bill of Lading date and product eligibility.
This creates a time-sensitive opportunity for importers and manufacturers to manage their current shipments efficiently. At the same time, it also highlights the need to prepare for mandatory BIS compliance once the exemption period ends.
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