Steel imported from China will be banned in the country, the Center will bring quality control rules
QCO Rule: The government had a meeting with stakeholders on 28 and 29 July in this matter. It is expected that it can be implemented soon. Under the proposed rule, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration will be mandatory for steel products and raw materials. Its purpose is to control the quality of steel.
Steel products and raw materials imported from China and dumped in India will be banned. The government is implementing Quality Control Order (QCO) rules, which were originally scheduled to apply to steel billed after June 18 but have been postponed. The government held meetings with stakeholders on July 28 and 29 regarding this matter, and it is expected that the rules will be enforced soon. Under the proposed regulation, BIS registration will be mandatory for steel products and raw materials, aiming to ensure steel quality. Experts believe this will curb dumping and benefit domestic industries.
Former Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma stated that this rule is a vital reform intended to prevent infrastructure failures. She cited recent industrial and infrastructure accidents involving substandard steel used in lifts, cranes, bridges, and entertainment venues, where quality checks could have prevented accidents.
From now on, all imported steel products must meet BIS standards. Previously, many steel grades obtained import approval based on NOC, but now only grades not available in India will require NOC. India imports 4 lakh tonnes of steel annually that do not meet BIS standards. Since the QCO's implementation, steel prices have decreased from Rs 51,500 to Rs 48,500 per ton.
