Archive · 22 Sep 2025
MSME Steel Importers Seek Exemptions on Paid Imports Amidst Price Surge
Imagine if the government made a new rule about the steel you buy.
It says that all imported steel must meet certain standards, even the materials used to make it.
This rule, called a QCO, is causing problems for small businesses, especially those that import steel.
These businesses say it is making the cost of steel go up, and they are worried about money they already paid for steel before the rule started.
They are asking the government for an exception to help them out.
This rule also led to a legal battle, and the government's side is appealing the decision.
A new government quality control order (QCO) on steel has sparked conflict between MSMEs and regulators.
Importers are asking for exemptions for shipments paid for before the QCO's implementation in June.
MSMEs claim the QCO has caused price increases and supply problems.
The Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) stated approximately ₹150 crore of advance payments were in jeopardy.
A legal challenge to the QCO is ongoing, with the Supreme Court involved.
- Who
- MSMEs, importers, and the Ministry of Steel
- What
- MSMEs are seeking exemptions on steel imports due to rising prices after the implementation of a government quality control order (QCO).
- When
- The QCO was notified on June 13th. The letter from Massma was dated September 17th.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Importers claim the QCO has caused price surges and created supply issues.
MSME Steel Importers
Government/Regulators
Impact of QCO
MSME Steel Importers
The QCO creates a non-tariff barrier, causing price surges and supply shortfalls.
Government/Regulators
The government's rationale was to check steel dumping into the country.
- Affected Parties
- MSMEs, Ministry of Steel, Massma, FAM, Shree Ramdev Metalex LLP
- QCO Date
- June 13
- Advance Payments at Risk
- ₹150 crore (FAM estimate)
- Steel Import Monitoring System (Sims) Data
- 0.797 million tonnes (June), automobile and auto components sector - 29.1%
- Top Import Sources (May)
- South Korea (34.6%), China (30.6%)
- MSME Concerns
- QCO is a non-tariff barrier; prices are rising; advance payments jeopardized