QCO Relaxation On Stainless Steel Imports To Support MSMEs Amid Supply Crunch 

New Delhi, Apr 28 (KNN) The Ministry of Steel has granted a temporary exemption from Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for certain stainless steel flat products, following representations from MSMEs facing supply constraints.

The relaxation will apply to imports with a ‘shipped on board’ date on or before October 26, 2026, providing interim relief to industries dependent on imported inputs.

Products covered under exemption

The exemption applies to stainless steel products falling under the following Indian Standards (IS).
IS 6911 for stainless steel plates, sheets and strips; IS 5522 for stainless steel sheets and strips for utensils; IS 15997 for low nickel austenitic stainless-steel products for utensils and kitchen appliances and IS 14650 for intermediate stainless steel flat products.

Relief for MSME manufacturers

The move comes after multiple representations from micro, small and medium enterprises highlighting difficulties in sourcing compliant raw materials amid global supply disruptions.

Industry stakeholders said the exemption will ensure uninterrupted availability of raw materials, ease production bottlenecks and support cost competitiveness for downstream manufacturers.

Balancing quality and supply needs

While QCOs are aimed at ensuring product quality and standardisation, the temporary relaxation reflects the government’s effort to balance regulatory requirements with immediate industry needs.

The Ministry of Steel is expected to review the situation closer to the deadline, depending on market conditions and domestic supply availability.

(KNN Bureau)