Government of India Issues Updated Exemption Order for QCO Compliance – Important Notification for Steel Importers
The Ministry of Steel has released an important update regarding Quality Control Order (QCO) compliance for specific ITC-HS codes linked to various IS standards. This update supersedes the earlier order dated 06 October 2025.
Key Update: Exemption from Mandatory QCO Compliance
As per the latest order, the ITC-HS codes listed in Annexure I are exempted from mandatory QCO compliance, based on the decision of the competent authority.
Validity of Exemption
The exemption applies only for imports with Bill of Lading (BoL) having “shipped on
board” date on or before 31 March 2026.
This provides temporary relief to importers and manufacturers dealing with the affected steel
products, allowing smoother supply chain movement until the specified date.
Annexure I – List of IS Standards and ITC-HS Codes Exempted from QCO Compliance
Below is the complete list of IS standards and product descriptions included in the exemption order:
- IS 10325:2000 — Square Tins – 15 kg/litre for Ghee, Vanaspati, Edible Oils and Bakery Shortenings
HS Codes: 73102110, 73102910 - IS 1161:2014 — Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes – Specification
HS Codes: 73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73043919, 73043929, 73043939, 73045910, 73045920, 73045930, 73049000, 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090 - IS 1239 (Part 1):2004 — Steel Tubes, Tubulars & Other Wrought Steel Fittings – Part 1 Steel Tubes
HS Codes: 73043119, 73043129, 73043919, 73043929, 73049000, 73063090, 73069019, 73069090 - IS 13997:2014 — Drums, Large Open Top
HS Code: 73101090 - IS 14756:2024 — Stainless Steel Utensils – Specification
HS Codes: 73239310, 73239390 - IS 15155:2020 — Bar/Wire Wrapped Steel Cylinder Products Pipes with Mortar Lining & Coating Including Specials – Specifications
HS Codes: 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73069090, 73079190, 73079290, 73079390, 73079990 - IS 1783 (Part 1):2014 — Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade ‘A’ Drums
HS Code: 73101090 - IS 1783 (Part 2):2014 — Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade ‘B’ Drums
HS Code: 73101090 - IS 17875:2022 — Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes & Tubes for General Services – Specification
HS Codes: 73044100, 73044900 - IS 17876:2022 — Stainless Steel Welded Pipes & Tubes for General Service
HS Codes: 73053190, 73053990, 73064000 - IS 2141:2005 — Hot Dip Galvanized Stay Strand
HS Codes: 73121030, 73129000 - IS 2552:1989 — Steel Drums (Galvanized & Ungalvanized)
HS Codes: 73101090, 73102190, 73102990 - IS 3575:1993 — Bitumen Drums
HS Code: 73101090 - IS 4270:2001 — Steel Tubes Used for Water Wells – Specification
HS Codes: 73043119, 73043129, 73043139, 73044100, 73044900, 73045110, 73045120, 73045130, 73045910, 73045920, 73045930, 73049000, 73053190, 73053990, 73059099, 73063090, 73064000, 73065000, 73069090 - IS 6913:1973 — Stainless Steel Tubes for the Food & Beverage Industry
HS Codes: 73044100, 73044900, 73064000 - IS 916:2000 — Square Tins for Solid Products
HS Codes: 73102110, 73102910
Why This Notification Matters
This exemption order offers the following advantages:
- Reduced compliance burden for manufacturers and importers.
- Uninterrupted trade flow for listed steel products until March 2026.
- Additional time for stakeholders to align with future quality mandates.
- Greater flexibility in sourcing and inventory planning.
Conclusion
The updated exemption order from the Ministry of Steel is a significant development for
businesses dealing in steel imports under the specified HS codes. Companies are advised to take
note of the cut-off date (31 March 2026) and plan their import activities accordingly.
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