QCO Compliance Exemption for Stainless Steel Flat Products

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 28.04.2026

QCO Compliance Exemption for Stainless Steel Flat Products

The Government of India has issued a significant order granting a temporary exemption from Quality Control Order (QCO) compliance for certain stainless steel flat products. This move is designed to support MSMEs and streamline imports for specific grades and standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exemption, its scope, and implications for stakeholders.

Background and Rationale

After receiving multiple representations from MSMEs and conducting a thorough review, the Ministry of Steel decided to grant a QCO compliance exemption for stainless steel flat products. The exemption aims to ease regulatory burdens and facilitate smoother imports for businesses, especially those relying on these materials for manufacturing and production.

Scope of the Exemption

The exemption applies to stainless steel products covered under the following Indian Standards:

IS 6911: Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
IS 5522: Stainless Steel Sheets and Strips for Utensils
IS 15997: Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless-Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Utensils and Kitchen Appliances
IS 14650: Intermediate Product of Stainless Steel Flat Products Only

Validity Period

The exemption is valid for imports with a Bill of Lading showing a shipped-on-board date on or before October 26, 2026.

List of Exempted Stainless Steel Grades

The order includes a comprehensive annexure listing all stainless steel grades mapped under QCO for the above standards. These grades cover a wide range of compositions and applications, from basic plates and strips to specialized grades for utensils and kitchen appliances.

Examples of Exempted Grades

IS 6911: X04Cr19Ni9-304, X07Cr18Ni9-302, X07Cr17-430, X02Cr12Ti-409, X10Cr15-429, X08Cr17Mo1-434, X02Cr18Ti-439, X04Cr17Ni12Mo2-316, X15Cr24Ni13-309, X20Cr25Ni20-310, X02Cr22Ni6Mo3N-2205, and many more.
IS 5522: X04Cr19Ni9-304, X07Cr18Ni9-302, X07Cr17-430
IS 15997: X10Cr15Mn9Cu2Ni1N-N1, X8Cr16Mn8Cu2Ni2N-N2, X8Cr16Mn7Cu2Ni4N-N3
IS 14650: Covers all corresponding grades listed above as intermediate products.

Implications for Importers and Manufacturers

Regulatory Relief: Importers and manufacturers can bring in stainless steel flat products under the specified standards and grades without QCO compliance until the stated deadline.
Business Continuity: MSMEs and other stakeholders benefit from uninterrupted supply chains and reduced compliance costs.
Planning Opportunity: Companies should plan their imports and production schedules to maximize the benefit before the exemption expires.

How to Utilize the Exemption

Ensure that your imported stainless steel products match the grades and standards listed in the annexure.
Confirm that the Bill of Lading date is on or before October 26, 2026.
Maintain documentation for compliance verification if required by authorities.

Conclusion

This QCO compliance exemption is a timely intervention to support MSMEs and facilitate the import of essential stainless steel flat products. Stakeholders should take advantage of this window to optimize their operations and ensure compliance with the outlined conditions.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: Ministry of Steel

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Ministry of Steel OrderDownload

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/