Archive · 20 Nov 2025
India Eases Steel Import Rules
The Indian government has made it easier to import certain types of steel.
Now, you don't need special permission for some kinds of steel that didn't have strict quality rules before.
You can just use an online system to get a number for these imports.
However, steel with strict quality rules still needs special licenses.
Centre relaxes rules for importing steel grades not under Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
No longer requires clarification or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Ministry of Steel
Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal now allows direct generation of SIMS numbers for non-QCO grades
QCO-covered steel grades still require BIS licences for import
Exemption mechanism in place for QCO-covered grades from unlicensed manufacturers
- Who
- The Ministry of Steel, Government of India
- What
- Eased rules for steel imports
- When
- Thursday, October 26, 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To streamline regulations and facilitate ease of doing business
- Affected Steel Grades
- Steel grades not covered under any Quality Control Order (QCO)
- Previous Requirement
- Clarification or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Ministry of Steel
- New System
- Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal for direct SIMS number generation
- QCO-covered Steel Grades Requirement
- Valid and operative BIS licences for import
- Exemption Mechanism
- In place for QCO-covered grades from unlicensed manufacturers
