UditVani, New Delhi : The Ministry of Steel has suspended the enforcement of 55 Indian Standards notified under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, aiming to balance industry requirements with regulatory needs. The decision follows recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR), which examined the broader implications of enforcing the Quality Control framework across the steel sector.
The Ministry evaluated several aspects, including possible downstream pricing impacts, the necessity of ensuring adequate steel availability for MSMEs and consumer industries, and the continued dependence on imports for specific specialised grades. Alongside these considerations, the Ministry also assessed issues related to preventing unfair trade practices, supporting small steel producers, and promoting domestic self-reliance within the sector.
Taking these factors into account, the Ministry has announced a temporary suspension of enforcement on selected IS Standards. Enforcement of QCO on 42 Indian Standards listed in Schedule 1—covering steel grades commonly used in engineered products, automotive manufacturing and durable goods—has been suspended for a period of three years.
Additionally, enforcement of QCO on 13 Indian Standards related to specialty steel grades covered under PLI 1.2 has been suspended for one year. These specialty grades are primarily used in niche and high-precision applications that require exceptional strength, hardness, dimensional accuracy and thermal stability.
The Ministry of Steel has issued the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, formalising these changes.
