Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026

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Dated: 23.06.2026

Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026

The Ministry of Steel has issued an official amendment to the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, introducing significant temporary exemptions for certain steel product standards. This move, published on June 20, 2026, aims to address industry needs while maintaining public interest and regulatory oversight.

Background

The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 empowers the Central Government to regulate the quality of steel and steel products in India. The original Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, mandated strict compliance with specified Indian Standards (IS) for various steel products to ensure quality, safety, and reliability.

What Does the Amendment Order Change?

The 2026 amendment introduces the following key changes:

Temporary Suspension of Certain Standards
- Serial Numbers 23 (IS 2879: 1998) and 129 (IS 5518: 1996) in Schedule 1: Enforcement of the IS Number and IS Title at these serial numbers is suspended for three years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
- Serial Numbers 51 (IS 5522: 2014), 52 (IS 6911: 2017), and 53 (IS 15997: 2012 ) in Schedule 1: Enforcement of the IS Number and IS Title at these serial numbers is suspended until March 31, 2027 from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
Scope of the Exemptions
- The exemptions apply only to the specific IS standards listed at the mentioned serial numbers in Schedule 1 of the 2024 Order.
- All other standards and requirements under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, remain in force.

Rationale for the Amendment

The government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, determined that these temporary exemptions are necessary or expedient in the public interest. Such measures often aim to:

Allow manufacturers and importers additional time to comply with new or revised standards.
Address supply chain or technical challenges faced by the industry.
Ensure continued availability of essential steel products without compromising overall quality objectives.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Manufacturers and Importers

Products covered under the exempted serial numbers can be manufactured, imported, and sold without mandatory compliance with the specified IS standards for the exemption period.
This provides operational flexibility and may reduce immediate compliance costs.

For Consumers and End-Users

The temporary suspension is limited and targeted, ensuring that the majority of steel products continue to meet stringent quality standards.
The government retains the authority to reinstate or further amend these exemptions as needed.

For Regulatory Authorities

Continued monitoring and enforcement of all other applicable standards remain a priority.
The amendment order must be implemented as per the timelines and scope specified.

Conclusion

The Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, reflects a balanced approach by the Ministry of Steel to support industry needs while upholding public interest. Stakeholders should review the specific serial numbers and IS standards affected to ensure compliance with the latest regulatory framework.

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Source: Ministry of Steel

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