BIS Compliance News · 27 April 2026
Ministry of Steel grants QCO compliance exemption for stainless steel flat (semi-finished and final) products
The Ministry of Steel issued an order dated 27 April 2026 (S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(1)) granting QCO compliance exemption for stainless steel flat products. The order says the decision followed representations from MSMEs.
The exemption covers stainless steel products under 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), and IS 14650 for intermediate stainless steel flat products only. An annexure lists 140 mapped grades, from ferritic 409/430 types to 304, 316, duplex and the low-nickel N-series grades.
The exemption is valid only for imports whose Bill of Lading shows a shipped-on-board date on or before 26 October 2026. Shipments after that date must again meet the QCO.
Who is affected
Importers and MSME users of stainless steel coils, sheets, plates and strips — notably utensil, kitchen-appliance and fabrication units — and stainless steel traders.
What to do
- Check that both the IS standard and the grade of your consignment appear in the order's annexure.
- Make sure the shipped-on-board date is on or before 26 October 2026; book shipments accordingly.
- From late October, source only from BIS-licensed mills for these standards.
Source: Ministry of Steel — QCO compliance exemption for stainless steel flat products (27 April 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.