Overview On November 20, 2025 , the Ministry of Steel announced the easing of rules for importing steel grades that are not covered under Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This decision aims to streamline the regulatory framework and facilitate ease of doing business within the steel sector. The move follows a review of existing import-related requirements and considers recommendations from the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR). Key Developments Removal of NOC Requirement for Non-QCO Steel Grades Previously, a circular dated October 20, 2023 , mandated obtaining clarification or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel for importing steel grades not covered under any QCO. Based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR) , this requirement has been removed. This means that steel grades not covered by any Quality Control Order will no longer require clarification or NOC from the Ministry of Steel. Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal To facilitate the implementation of this decision, all steel grades not covered under any QCO—across all HSN Codes relating to the Ministry of Steel—have been mapped on the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Portal. Importers can now directly generate SIMS numbers for such non-QCO grades through the Portal without seeking any reference or approval from the Ministry of Steel. This simplifies the import process and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. Import of Steel Grades Covered Under Quality Control Orders (QCO) As per the Quality Control Orders issued by the Ministry of Steel, all grades of steel covered under the Orders are required to be imported only from manufacturers holding valid and operative BIS licenses for the relevant grades. This ensures that imported steel meets the required quality standards. Exemption Mechanism for Non-BIS Licensees In cases where import of QCO-covered steel grades is proposed from manufacturers who do not possess BIS licenses, an exemption mechanism is already in place. Such applications are examined by a Committee constituted vide Order No. 1(9)/2019-TD dated May 14, 2020 . The Committee, comprising representatives from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) , Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) , and domain experts, will continue to examine applications and decide on granting exemptions for import of QCO-covered steel products manufactured by non-BIS licensee units. Applications for availing the exemption can be filed at https://sims.steel.gov.in/QCOEXEMPTIO . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly under GS Paper 3 (Economy) and GS Paper 2 (Government Policies) . It highlights government efforts to streamline regulations and promote ease of doing business in the steel sector, which is a critical component of the Indian economy. Understanding the implications of these changes is important for candidates preparing for the exam. Key Terms QCO (Quality Control Order): Mandatory standards set by the government to ensure product quality and safety. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards): National Standards Body of India responsible for standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade): Agency responsible for implementing foreign trade policy and promoting exports. SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System): Online platform for registering steel imports, enhancing transparency and data collection. HLC-NFRR (High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms): Committee focused on streamlining regulations to improve ease of doing business.