India Notifies WTO of Quality Control Order for Steel and Steel Products

On 19 April 2024, the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on steel and steel products listed in the table below. The notification is open for comments for 60 days.  

Application and Enforcement: The purpose of this QCO is to verify that the steel and steel products listed in the table above comply with the prescribed Indian Standards. The Order requires all manufacturers in India and abroad who intend to export to India steel and steel products listed in the table above to obtain a valid licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards for the use of the Standard Mark before starting regular production of such items. Furthermore, no person shall manufacture, import, distribute, sell, hire, lease, store or display for sale any steel or steel products listed in the table which does not conform to the prescribed standards and does not bear the Bureau's standard mark. 

Objective: To improve the standard of steel and steel-related products for the benefit of the public to protect human health and safety as well as the nation's housing, infrastructure and engineering goods. 

Penalty for Contravention: Any person who contravenes the provisions of this order shall be punishable under Section 29 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016).