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MSME Steel Importers Urge Govt for Exemption on Stuck Shipments

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India 22 Sep 2025 03:37 PM IST The Hindu BusinessLine

MSME steel importers have appealed to the government to allow a one-time exemption for shipments already paid for but stuck at ports due to delays in Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) clearances under the Quality Control Order (QCO).

The QCO, which came into effect on June 13, makes BIS certification mandatory for all steel imports. Importers say delays in approvals have blocked consignments from key suppliers such as Taiwan and South Korea, tying up large sums of working capital.

Small manufacturers argue that the disruption is hurting production schedules and increasing costs, especially as domestic steel prices remain elevated. They warn that if shipments are not cleared soon, many MSMEs could face severe financial strain.

Industry associations are urging the government to provide temporary relief while continuing to enforce quality standards, so that MSMEs remain competitive in both domestic and export markets.