QCO Exemptions For Chapter 73 & Stainless Steel Products Extended To 31 March 2026 New Delhi, Nov 20 (KNN) The Ministry of Steel has extended select exemptions under the Quality Control Order (QCO) framework to address industry concerns, safeguard stakeholder interests, and maintain steady market availability of critical steel products as domestic capacity expands in line with national self-reliance goals.Earlier, the Ministry had granted an exemption fr0m mandatory QCO compliance for specified steel products under Chapter 73, applicable to imports with a Bill of Lading dated on or before October 31, 2025. Following a review of further industry representations, this exemption has now been extended to cover imports with a Bill of Lading dated on or before March 31, 2026.The Ministry has also extended relief granted to stainless steel importers facing constraints in sourcing 200 and 300 series stainless steel flat products amid ongoing domestic capacity ramp-up. Three Indian Standards applicable to these products—IS 6911, IS 5522 and IS 15997—had earlier been exempted for imports with a Bill of Lading dated on or before December 31, 2025.This exemption has now been extended to imports with a Bill of Lading dated on or before March 31, 2026, taking into account the advance commitments made by importers to overseas suppliers and the continued shortfall in domestic supply.The Ministry said the extensions aim to ensure a smooth transition for industry participants while supporting stable availability of essential steel products in the domestic market.(KNN Bureau)
