Government Strengthens Steel Quality Standards & Promotes Domestic Production

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in consultation with the Ministry of Steel, is taking proactive measures to ensure only high-quality steel is produced or imported into India. To this end, 151 BIS standards have been notified and brought under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by the Ministry of Steel.

While steel is a de-regulated sector, the government plays a facilitative role by creating policies that support its growth. Key initiatives to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of Indian steel in global markets include:

• Implementation of the Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy to promote the use of 'Made in India' steel in government procurement.
• Introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to reduce imports and attract investment in domestic manufacturing.
• Increased focus on infrastructure development through Union Budget allocations.
• Rationalization of Basic Customs Duty on raw materials like ferro-nickel and ferrous scrap to lower input costs.

These efforts are aimed at making Indian steel globally competitive while fostering self-reliance and sustainability.