India’s steel import policy for chapters 72, 73, and 86 is primarily governed by mandatory registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), now revamped as SIMS 2.0. A critical aspect of this policy is the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order (SSPQCO), which lists specific HS codes. [cite: A] To successfully complete SIMS registration, importers must provide a BIS certificate, with BIS listing various steel QCO’s under Scheme I & X, in addition to those outlined in SSPQCO’s. [cite: A]
As an alternative to BIS certification, importers can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel or the Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT). [cite: B] This is permissible if the importer believes their goods are not covered under the SSPQCO or BIS standards due to unique specifications or low domestic availability. [cite: B]
However, recent issues have arisen with consignments being released through SIMS exemptions obtained with incorrect exemption letters. [cite: C] The Ministry’s mapping of legacy data from April 1, 2023, onwards has led to an error message “No BIS, no exception” being flagged. [cite: C] This message, along with the reason for BIS coverage (e.g., “SS Food grade” or “Galvanized Medium Alloy”), is now indicated against the STL numbers, signaling that further imports may be prevented until the errors are rectified. [cite: C]