The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has issued an instruction regarding the mandatory adherence to Indian Standards for imported steel and steel products, effective for Bills of Lading dated on or after June 16, 2025. This directive, based on an order from the Ministry of Steel, emphasizes compliance with the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (QCO), notified on August 29, 2024. Currently, 151 Indian Standards, covering steel and steel products under Chapters 72 and 73 of ITC(HS) codes, are integrated into this QCO. The instruction clarifies that input materials for these steel products, which are also part of the QCO, must also conform to their respective Indian Standards. A mapping of Indian Standards for input materials against defined steel and steel products has been provided. The CBIC has requested all customs authorities to inform their officers about these new requirements and to report any implementation difficulties to the Board.
F. No.401/24/2025-Cus.III
Government of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
Instruction No. 16/2025-Customs | Dated: 18th June, 2025
To
All Principal Chief Commissioners / Chief Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive) / Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal Commissioners / Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Preventive).
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Ensuring adherence of Indian Standard of respective Input material of Steel and Steel Products intended for import which are notified in QCO and requires mandatory registration on SIMS portal – reg.
Madam/Sir,
Reference is invited to the Order dated 13.06.2025 issued by the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Steel vide F.no. S-20011/15/2024-TECH on the above subject (copy attached).
2. Vide the above order dated 13.06.2025, it has been stated that presently 151 Indian Standards, covering steel and steel products of chapter 72 and 73 of ITC(HS) codes, are incorporated in the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (QCO) notified vide S.O 3716(E) dated 29.08.2024. In connection to compliance with QCO, adherence of Indian Standard of respective input material, which are also part of the QCO, shall be ensured. In respect of steel and steel products defined under aforesaid Indian Standards, respective Indian Standard(s) of input material is mapped (copy attached). This will be effective for the imports having Bill of Lading dated on or after 16th June 2025.
3. It is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the said matter.
4. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD
(Cus-III)
Copy to: – (for information and necessary action)
1. The Webmaster, CBIC.
F.no.S-20011/15/2024-TECH
Ministry of Steel
Government of India
Technical Division
Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 13 June , 2025
ORDER
Subject: Ensuring adherence of Indian Standard of respective input material of Steel and Steel Products intended for Import which are notified, in QCO and requires mandatory registration on SIMS portal – reg
Presently 151 Indian Standards, covering steel and steel products of chapter 72 and 73 of ITC(HS) codes, are incorporated in the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (QCO) notified vide S.0 3716(E) dated 29.08.2024. In connection to compliance with QCO, adherence of Indian Standard of respective input material, which are also part of the QCO, shall be ensured.
2.0 In respect of steel and steel products defined under aforesaid Indian Standards, respective Indian Standard(s) of input material is mapped (enclosed).
3.0 This will be effective for the imports having Bill of Lading dated on or after 1dh June 2025.
4.0 This issues with the approval of competent authority.
(G. Sarathy Raja)
xDeputy Secretary to the Government of India
Tel: 23061064
Email: g.sarathyraja@gov.in
Copy to,
1. The Chairman, CBIC, D/o Revenue, M/o Finance.
2. The Director General, Bureau of Indian Standard.
