Ministry of Steel Grants Input Adherence Exemption for Stainless Steel Flat Products (IS 6911, IS 5522, IS 15997) - October 2025 Order
Latest Update: November 20, 2025
⚠️ SUPERSEDED: The October 6, 2025 exemption order has been superseded by a new order dated November 20, 2025. The new exemption extends validity until March 31, 2026 (instead of December 31, 2025) for imports with Bill of Lading having shipped on board date on or before March 31, 2026.
Download Latest Order (November 20, 2025)
Previous Update: October 6, 2025
The Ministry of Steel issued exemption order (S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(1)) granting temporary relief from mandatory input adherence requirements for stainless steel flat products under IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 valid till December 31, 2025.
What This Exemption Order Means for Steel Importers and Manufacturers
On October 6, 2025, the Ministry of Steel, Technical Division, issued Order No. S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(1) addressing critical supply chain concerns raised by stainless steel importers across India. This exemption provides immediate relief to businesses that have already committed substantial advance payments to foreign manufacturers.
Key Highlights of the Exemption Order
- Order Reference Number: S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(1)
- Issue Date: October 6, 2025
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Steel, Government of India (Technical Division)
- Validity Period: Till December 31, 2025
- Affected Indian Standards:
- IS 6911 - Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip
- IS 5522 - Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip and Plate for Utensils
- IS 15997 - Stainless Steel Flat Products for General Purposes
- Product Categories Covered: 200 Series and 300 Series Stainless Steel Flat Products
Background: Why This Exemption Was Necessary
The Ministry of Steel received multiple representations from stainless steel importers highlighting two critical issues:
- Financial Commitments Already Made: Importers have paid substantial amounts as advance payments to foreign manufacturers for future orders. Strict adherence to input requirements would have resulted in significant financial losses and contractual disputes.
- Domestic Supply Shortage: The current domestic production capacity for 200 and 300 series stainless steel flat products is insufficient to meet market demand. Indian manufacturers are in the process of ramping up production, but this capacity expansion requires time and investment.
What is "Input Adherence" and Why Does It Matter?
Under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, manufacturers and importers must ensure that the input materials (raw steel used in final products) conform to relevant Indian Standards and carry BIS certification. This "input adherence" requirement ensures that the entire supply chain maintains quality standards from raw material to finished product.
The exemption granted by this order temporarily waives this mandatory requirement for the three specified stainless steel flat product standards, providing breathing room for the industry during this transition period.
Impact on Stakeholders
For Stainless Steel Importers:
- Can fulfill existing orders with foreign suppliers without input adherence documentation till December 31, 2025
- Protection of advance payments already made to manufacturers
- Reduced compliance burden during the transition period
- Ability to meet customer demands without supply chain disruptions
For Domestic Manufacturers:
- Time to ramp up production capacity for 200 and 300 series stainless steel
- Opportunity to invest in capacity expansion without immediate competitive pressure
- Preparation time to meet future demand when exemption expires on December 31, 2025
For End Users (Construction, Automotive, Kitchenware Industries):
- Continued availability of stainless steel flat products without supply disruptions
- Stable pricing during the transition period
- Assurance of project timelines and manufacturing schedules
Important Dates and Deadlines
⚠️ UPDATED Critical Deadline (November 20, 2025): The exemption has been extended. The new exemption is valid for imports with Bill of Lading having shipped on board date on or before March 31, 2026.
Previous Deadline (October 6, 2025 Order): December 31, 2025 (now superseded)
Importers and manufacturers must plan their procurement and compliance strategies accordingly to ensure seamless operations post-March 2026.
Recommended Actions for Stakeholders
Immediate Actions (October - November 2025):
- Review existing contracts and purchase orders with foreign suppliers
- Assess inventory requirements till December 31, 2025
- Expedite pending shipments to maximize exemption period benefits
- Document all imports under this exemption for future audit compliance
Preparation for Post-Exemption Period (November - December 2025):
- Evaluate domestic sourcing options for 200 and 300 series stainless steel
- Engage with BIS-certified suppliers for input materials
- Initiate BIS certification process for products requiring input adherence
- Consult with compliance experts (like OMEGA QMS) to ensure smooth transition
Download Official Government Order
Access the complete Ministry of Steel exemption order below:
Official Order Document
Order No.: S-20011/15/2024-TECH-Part(1)
Dated: October 6, 2025
Issued By: Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India
Understanding the Affected Indian Standards
IS 6911: Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip
This standard covers the requirements for stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used in various industrial applications including chemical processing equipment, food processing machinery, and construction materials.
IS 5522: Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip and Plate for Utensils
Specifically focused on stainless steel materials used in kitchenware and utensil manufacturing, this standard ensures food-grade quality and safety for consumer products.
IS 15997: Stainless Steel Flat Products for General Purposes
A comprehensive standard covering stainless steel flat products used across diverse applications including automotive components, architectural panels, and industrial fabrication.
Related Steel Quality Control Orders and Compliance
This exemption is part of the broader Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order framework. Stay informed about related compliance requirements:
- Complete Guide to Steel Quality Control Orders (QCO)
- BIS Certification Services for Steel Products
- Steel Product BIS Exemption Assistance
How OMEGA QMS Can Help You Navigate This Exemption
As India's leading BIS certification consultancy, OMEGA QMS provides comprehensive support for steel importers and manufacturers:
Our Services for Steel Industry Compliance:
- Exemption Order Interpretation: Expert guidance on applicability and compliance requirements
- Supply Chain Planning: Strategic advice on procurement during and after the exemption period
- BIS Certification Support: End-to-end assistance for obtaining BIS licenses for steel products
- Input Adherence Documentation: Preparation for post-December 2025 compliance requirements
- Regulatory Updates: Continuous monitoring of Ministry of Steel notifications and amendments
- Audit Preparation: Ensuring documentation compliance for government inspections
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does this exemption apply to all types of stainless steel products?
Answer: No, this exemption specifically applies only to stainless steel flat products (plates, sheets, strips) falling under IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997. Other stainless steel products such as pipes, tubes, bars, and wires are not covered under this exemption.
Q2: Can I import stainless steel flat products without any BIS certification till December 31, 2025?
Answer: No, the exemption only waives the "input adherence" requirement. The final product must still comply with the relevant Indian Standards and BIS certification requirements as per the applicable Quality Control Orders. Only the requirement to verify that input materials are BIS-certified is temporarily exempted.
Q3: What happens after December 31, 2025?
Answer: From January 1, 2026, mandatory input adherence will be enforced. Importers and manufacturers must ensure that input materials used in products under IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 conform to Indian Standards and carry BIS certification.
Q4: Does this exemption affect ongoing BIS license applications?
Answer: If you have already applied for or hold a BIS license for these standards, this exemption provides temporary relief during the transition period. However, it's advisable to continue the certification process to ensure compliance post-December 2025.
Q5: Are both domestic manufacturers and importers eligible for this exemption?
Answer: Yes, the exemption applies to both domestic manufacturers and importers of stainless steel flat products under the three specified Indian Standards.
Q6: Will there be an extension of this exemption beyond December 31, 2025?
Answer: The current order specifies December 31, 2025, as the end date. Any extension would require a new government notification. OMEGA QMS continuously monitors Ministry of Steel announcements and will update clients immediately if any extension is announced.
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- Ministry of Steel exemption orders and amendments
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Conclusion
The Ministry of Steel's October 6, 2025, exemption order provides crucial relief to the stainless steel industry during a critical transition period. By temporarily waiving input adherence requirements for IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 till December 31, 2025, the government has balanced industry needs with quality control objectives.
However, stakeholders must use this window strategically to prepare for full compliance when the exemption expires. Proactive planning, supplier diversification, and early engagement with BIS certification processes will ensure business continuity in 2026 and beyond.
OMEGA QMS remains committed to helping steel industry stakeholders navigate these regulatory changes with confidence and compliance.