Ministry of Steel Grants BIS Exemption to 202 Foreign Steel Manufacturers on SIMS Portal

The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has taken a significant step towards simplifying the import process for steel products by exempting 202 BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) licenses from mandatory adherence requirements on the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) portal. This move, outlined in the order dated 11th August 2025, is expected to enhance the ease of doing business for Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs) and foreign manufacturers supplying steel to India.

What Does the Exemption Mean?

The exemption allows foreign manufacturers to bypass the mandatory adherence requirement for input steel used in final products supplied to ISPs. This decision is based on declarations submitted by the concerned parties and is subject to verification by BIS. The initiative is part of a continuous exercise, with additional exemptions to be granted as new requests are received.

Countries and Manufacturers Benefiting from the Exemption 

The exemptions span across multiple countries, showcasing the global nature of steel imports to India. Here are some highlights:

Japan leads the list with the highest number of exemptions, including 43 licenses for Nippon Steel Corporation and 26 for JFE Steel Corporation.
South Korea follows with significant contributions from POSCO Co. Ltd. (18 licenses) and Hyundai Steel Company (multiple licenses across various plants).
Germany and France also feature prominently, with manufacturers like Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Specialty Steel GmbH & Co. KG and Industeel France receiving exemptions.
Other countries benefiting include Italy, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United States.

Key Manufacturers and Their Contributions

Some of the notable manufacturers and their exempted licenses include:

Nippon Steel Corporation (Japan): 43 licenses
POSCO Co. Ltd. (South Korea): 18 licenses
JFE Steel Corporation (Japan): 26 licenses
Hyundai Steel Company (South Korea): Multiple licenses across various plants
Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Specialty Steel GmbH & Co. KG (Germany): 3 licenses
Industeel France (France): Multiple licenses across different sites

Impact on the Steel Industry

This exemption is expected to have a positive impact on the steel industry by:

Reducing Compliance Burden: Foreign manufacturers can now focus on delivering high-quality steel without the additional compliance requirements.
Encouraging Global Trade: By easing restrictions, the Indian government is fostering stronger trade relations with steel-exporting nations.
Boosting Domestic Production: ISPs can now source high-quality input steel more efficiently, potentially boosting domestic steel production.

A Continuous Process 

The Ministry of Steel has emphasized that this is an ongoing process. As new requests are received, additional licenses may be exempted, ensuring that the system remains dynamic and responsive to industry needs.

Conclusion

The exemption of 202 BIS licenses on the SIMS portal is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to streamlining processes and fostering a business-friendly environment. By reducing compliance hurdles, this initiative not only benefits foreign manufacturers but also strengthens the domestic steel industry. As the process continues, it will be interesting to see how this move shapes the future of steel imports and production in India.

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Source: Ministry of Steel

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