MoS order on compliance for inputs can hurt downstream users

The Ministry of Steel (MoS) has issued an order dated June 13, 2025, mandating compliance with notified Indian Standards (IS) for steel inputs used as raw materials and intermediates for the manufacturing of specified steel products.

- T.N.C. Rajagopalan

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has asked its field formations to ensure adherence to the new requirement for all shipments made from June 16 onwards.

The MoS has notified IS for 151 steel and steel products through its quality control order (QCO) dated August 29, 2024. The latest order gives a table listing 144 steel items with their IS and the inputs and their IS for making 124 of those items. For example, steel plates for pressure vessels for intermediate and high temperature service, including boilers, are covered under IS 2002: 2024, and the input for making that item is carbon steel cast billet, ingots, billets, blooms, and slabs for re-rolling purpose-specification covered under IS 14650: 2023. Compliance with IS for inputs and finished products must be ensured, says the MoS.