India: Govt orders temporary suspension of 55 steel quality standards to support industry growth, MSME competitiveness 

• Relaxation covers key engineering, auto, specialty steel categories
• Different timelines announced for 3-year and 1-year exemptions

The Ministry of Steel (MoS) has ordered a temporary halt on enforcing 55 Indian Standards (IS) under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This move follows recommendations from the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR) and aims to reduce regulatory bottlenecks across the steel supply chain.

In its review, the government took into account possible cost escalations for user industries, the need to ensure steady steel availability for MSMEs, and the industry’s continued dependence on imported specialised grades. Considerations such as preventing unfair trade distortions, supporting smaller mills, and strengthening domestic capability also influenced the decision.

Three-year relaxation for 42 IS Standards

A set of 42 standards listed in Schedule 1-commonly used in the production of automotive parts, engineering components, electrical items and consumer goods-will not be enforced for three years.

This includes standards at serial numbers 24, 37, 48, 55, 68, 69, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 83, 87, 88, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 104, 105, 106, 107, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 150 and 151.
The suspension takes effect from the date of notification in the gazette.

One-year relaxation for 13 IS Standards
Another 13 standards-covering specialised, low-volume and precision steel grades, including several associated with the PLI 1.2 segment-have been exempted for one year.

These fall under serial numbers 49, 50, 60, 64, 86, 92, 93, 94, 102, 128, 132, 135 and 137 of Schedule 1.
The changes are outlined in the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Ministry of Steel Suspends Enforcement of 42 IS Standards Under Steel Quality Control Order to Support Industry Needs – 3 years

Ministry of Steel Suspends Enforcement of 13 IS Standards Under Steel Quality Control Order to Support Industry Needs – 1 year

Industry perspective and market implications

Industry representatives suggest that the relaxed norms will help reduce procurement costs and streamline material sourcing for MSMEs, auto manufacturers and engineering firms, improving their competitive position. At the same time, domestic producers may encounter increased import-driven competition due to the easing of controls.