BIS Compliance News · 8 April 2026
Ministry of Steel order of 8 April 2026 exempts listed ITC-HS codes from QCO compliance
The Technical Division of the Ministry of Steel issued an order dated 8 April 2026 (F. No. S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(2)), continuing its earlier order of 20 November 2025. It exempts the ITC-HS codes listed in its Annexure I from mandatory compliance with QCOs issued by the Government of India, for imports of steel products whose Bill of Lading shows a shipped-on-board date on or before 30 June 2026.
The annexure covers 16 Indian Standards: square tins for ghee and edible oils (IS 10325) and for solid products (IS 916); structural steel tubes (IS 1161); steel tubes (IS 1239 Part 1); steel tubes for water wells (IS 4270); large open-top and fixed-end drums (IS 13997, IS 1783 Parts 1 and 2); steel drums (IS 2552); bitumen drums (IS 3575); stainless steel utensils (IS 14756); mortar-lined wrapped steel cylinder pipes (IS 15155); stainless steel seamless and welded pipes and tubes (IS 17875, IS 17876); stainless steel tubes for the food and beverage industry (IS 6913); and hot-dip galvanised stay strand (IS 2141).
Each standard is mapped to specific eight-digit ITC-HS codes, mostly in Chapter 73. The relief applies only to consignments shipped by the cut-off date; later shipments need BIS-certified product.
Who is affected
Importers of steel tubes and pipes, drums and tins, stainless steel utensils and galvanised stay strand, and their customs brokers.
What to do
- Match your Bill of Entry ITC-HS code and IS standard against Annexure I of the order.
- Check the shipped-on-board date on the Bill of Lading — only shipments on or before 30 June 2026 qualify.
- For later shipments, make sure the foreign mill or manufacturer holds a BIS licence for the relevant IS.
Source: Ministry of Steel — QCO compliance exemption order of listed HS codes dated 08.04.2026 · Ministry of Steel — Quality Control Orders page
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BIS Compliance News summarises official notifications in plain language. It is general information, not legal or regulatory advice — always confirm the current text of the order or notice, linked above, before acting.