India Extends BIS Certification Exemption, Providing a "Timely Relief" for Chinese Stainless Steel Exports

On November 20, the Indian Ministry of Steel announced an extension of the import Quality Control Order (QCO) compliance exemption period for specific steel products under Chapter 73 (involving stainless steel seamless boiler tubes, other stainless steel circular cross-section welded pipes with an outer diameter ≤406.4mm, and stainless steel tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and parts thereof). The exemption, originally set to expire on October 31, 2025, is now extended to cover goods imported with bill of lading dates on or before March 31, 2026. Furthermore, a temporary exemption from mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification has been granted for three Indian Standards (IS 6911, IS 5522, IS 15997) applicable to 200 series and 300 series stainless steel flat products. This exemption period has been extended from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Reasons for the Extension of India's BIS Certification Exemption
The recent extension of the BIS certification exemption period until March 2026 by the Indian Ministry of Steel aims to ensure a stable supply of key steel products while supporting the expansion of domestic production capacity.
Considering submissions received from Indian stainless steel importers regarding substantial advance payments made to foreign manufacturers, coupled with persistent supply shortages of 200 and 300 series stainless steel flat products due to ongoing efforts to ramp up domestic production capacity, the Ministry of Commerce has granted a temporary import exemption for the three Indian Standards applicable to stainless steel flat products.

Supply and Demand Situation for Stainless Steel in India
India's stainless steel production has also been increasing steadily year by year. In 2024, India's stainless steel output reached 4.21 million metric tons, an increase of 157,000 metric tons or 3.9% year-on-year. Without considering inventory factors, India's apparent stainless steel consumption reached 5.06 million metric tons, an increase of 272,000 metric tons or 5.7% year-on-year.
The growth in Indian stainless steel demand has outpaced the growth in supply, leading to a situation where supply falls short of demand, necessitating reliance on imported resources to fill the gap.
With per capita stainless steel consumption in India at approximately 3.5 kg/person, the Indian stainless steel market holds significant potential for future growth.

Status of India's Stainless Steel Import Sources
Data from Indian customs, shows that in 2024, India's primary sources for stainless steel imports were Indonesia and Mainland China. Imports from Indonesia amounted to approximately 743,900 metric tons (with steel billets accounting for about 81%), representing a substantial 41% share. Imports from Mainland China were about 457,500 metric tons (with coils with a width ≥600mm accounting for about 82.4%), constituting about 25% of the total.

Sharp Decline in Chinese Stainless Steel Exports Due to Expired BIS Certification
Due to the expiration of BIS certifications for Chinese stainless steel producers, exports to India have shown a declining trend since 2024. Consequently, India, previously the top destination for Chinese stainless steel exports, fell to second place in 2024 and further plummeted to 11th place in 2025, with a significant drop in export volume.
From January to October 2025, China's stainless steel exports to India amounted to approximately 147,400 metric tons (accounting for about 3.6% of China's total stainless steel exports), a decrease of 267,000 metric tons or 64.4% compared to the same period last year.

The delay in the expiration of India's BIS certification exemption brings short-term benefits for Chinese stainless steel exports. Given the relatively limited supply of 200 series stainless steel overseas, China's comprehensive stainless steel industry chain is better positioned to meet the procurement needs of Indian importers.
In the next four months, Chinese stainless steel exporters may seize the opportunity to increase exports to India, thereby helping to alleviate supply pressures in the stainless steel market.