ENA Sectors 2026-04-28 11:58:23 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Apr 28 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Products covered under exemption</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The exemption applies to stainless steel products falling under the following Indian Standards (IS).<br /> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Relief for MSME manufacturers</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The move comes after multiple representations from micro, small and medium enterprises highlighting difficulties in sourcing compliant raw materials amid global supply disruptions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Industry stakeholders said the exemption will ensure uninterrupted availability of raw materials, ease production bottlenecks and support cost competitiveness for downstream manufacturers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Balancing quality and supply needs</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">While QCOs are aimed at ensuring product quality and standardisation, the temporary relaxation reflects the governments effort to balance regulatory requirements with immediate industry needs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Ministry of Steel is expected to review the situation closer to the deadline, depending on market conditions and domestic supply availability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 45941 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/qco-relaxation-on-stainless-steel-imports-to-support-msmes-amid-supply-crunch 2026-04-28 11:58:23 knnindia.co.in