Ministry Nod Must for Steel Imports Not Cleared by BIS

The Centre has made the steel ministry’s nod mandatory for imports which have not been cleared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This move is aimed at a crackdown on substandard goods.

The decision comes after the BIS issued a quality control order for a variety of steel products and importers were mandated by the Centre to seek prior quality approval of import consignments which were meant for sale locally.

Domestic steel importers said this may reduce imports of steel products which had surged in recent months.

Under the existing policy, BIS certification is issued to eligible overseas steel mills. Once an importer receives a consignment from a BIS certified manufacturer, government officials verify the goods at the Indian port before they can be sold in the market. The Centre’s latest directive empowers a technical committee, under the steel ministry, to approve imports of any non-BIS compliant steel that lands up in India.

Vietnam, Japan and China are exporting to India in a large volume which is creating an impact on pricing. The government’s move will restrict importers trying to sell substandard steel in India under the corrosion resistant categories.