India’s Ministry of Steel has issued a temporary waiver from Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for certain stainless steel flat products, including semi-finished and final products, to address severe supply shortages. This decision responds to requests from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) struggling to find compliant raw materials.

The exemption covers imports with a "shipped on board" date on or before October 26, 2026, providing vital relief to manufacturers facing production bottlenecks.

Under this directive, the government permits imports under standards IS 6911, IS 5522, IS 15997, and IS 14650 without current restrictions. These categories include stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips essential for utensils and kitchen appliances.

Market participants believe this move will preserve cost competitiveness and ensure the steady availability of materials. While standardization remains a priority, the government plans to re-evaluate market conditions as the deadline approaches.