Ministry of Steel Exempts Select ITC HS Codes from Mandatory QCO Compliance

The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has recently issued an important order (F. No.S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(2)) dated October 6, 2025, that brings significant relief to the steel industry. This order exempts certain ITC HS Codes from mandatory compliance with the Quality Control Orders (QCO) issued by the Government of India. This decision, taken after careful consideration by the competent authority, is expected to streamline the import process for specific steel products and provide much-needed flexibility to stakeholders.

Key Highlights of the Order

Exemption Details: The exemption applies to the ITC HS Codes listed in Annexure I of the order. These codes pertain to various steel products, including square tins, steel tubes, stainless steel utensils, drums, and more. The exemption is applicable for imports with a Bill of Lading having a “shipped on board” date on or before October 31, 2025.
Objective: The primary aim of this exemption is to address industry concerns and facilitate smoother trade operations. By exempting these specific products from mandatory QCO compliance, the government seeks to reduce bottlenecks and enhance the ease of doing business.
Scope of Exemption: The exemption covers a wide range of steel products under various Indian Standards (IS). For instance:
- Square Tins for Ghee and Edible Oils (IS 10325:2000) with ITC HS Codes 73102110 and 73102910.
- Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes (IS 1161:2014) with multiple ITC HS Codes such as 73043119, 73045910, and 73049000.
- Stainless Steel Utensils (IS 14756:2024) with ITC HS Codes 73239310 and 73239390.
- Drums and Steel Tubes for Water Wells (IS 4270:2001) with ITC HS Codes like 73043119, 73044900, and 73069090.

The complete list of exempted products and their corresponding ITC HS Codes is provided in Annexure I of the order.

Implementation: The exemption is effective immediately and applies to imports that meet the specified criteria. This ensures that businesses can benefit from the relaxation without delay.

Implications for the Industry

The exemption is a welcome move for the steel industry, which has been grappling with challenges related to compliance and import restrictions. Here are some of the potential benefits:

Reduced Compliance Burden: Importers of the exempted products will no longer need to adhere to the mandatory QCO requirements, saving time and resources.
Enhanced Trade Efficiency: The relaxation is expected to expedite the import process, ensuring timely availability of critical steel products.
Support for Key Sectors: Many of the exempted products are used in industries such as construction, food packaging, and manufacturing. The exemption will provide a boost to these sectors by ensuring a steady supply of raw materials.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Steel’s decision to exempt certain ITC HS Codes from mandatory QCO compliance reflects its commitment to addressing industry concerns and fostering a conducive business environment. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the steel industry and related sectors, promoting growth and efficiency.

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Source: Ministry of Steel

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