In a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supply of key materials to downstream industries, the government has granted exemptions to certain categories of steel imports from the mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The exemption covers a range of steel products including tubes used in structural applications, stainless steel utensils, and square tins commonly used for packaging edible oils and other essential commodities.
The decision is seen as a pragmatic step to balance regulatory oversight with industrial flexibility, particularly at a time when global supply chains remain under pressure. By easing restrictions on specific steel imports, the government intends to prevent production disruptions in industries that rely on niche or specialised steel grades not widely manufactured in India.
Industry experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that while the QCO framework is vital for maintaining product quality and consumer safety, it has occasionally posed logistical and compliance challenges for importers dealing with low-volume or custom steel grades. The latest exemptions are therefore expected to provide relief to manufacturers in sectors such as packaging, consumer goods, and construction, which depend heavily on timely and cost-effective access to steel inputs.
The move also underscores the government’s broader commitment to fostering a competitive and self-reliant industrial ecosystem without compromising on quality standards. Officials have indicated that further reviews of the QCO regime are underway to streamline certification requirements and align them with international trade norms.
By selectively relaxing quality controls on non-critical steel imports, the government aims to ensure steady availability of raw materials, stabilise prices, and maintain momentum in key infrastructure and manufacturing projects across the country.
