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India’s New Steel Import Rules Spark Crisis for MSMEs
A last-minute regulatory shift by India’s Ministry of Steel has left micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) scrambling. As of June 16, new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) mandate that all raw and semi-finished steel imports—including billets, slabs, and hot-rolled coils—must adhere to Indian Standards (IS) and be registered with the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS).
Announced just days before enforcement, the move has blindsided importers. Many MSMEs have shipments en route that were ordered and paid for months ago, now risking rejection at ports due to missing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification—a process that typically takes six to nine months.
Experts warn the sudden compliance demand could paralyze small manufacturers. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) highlights risks of factory shutdowns, missed deliveries, and liquidity crunches, as MSMEs face soaring costs to secure certified materials.
The policy’s inconsistencies are also under fire. While raw material imports face tight controls, finished products like welded steel pipes remain exempt, raising questions about fairness and regulatory intent.
Industry voices are now calling for urgent government intervention—requesting extended deadlines, expedited BIS certification support for foreign mills, and a phased implementation plan to help MSMEs adapt without economic fallout.
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