Importance of BIS Certification for Steel Products

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of steel products entering India. With over 145 categories of steel products requiring certification, the main objective of these regulations is to ensure zero-defect products and superior quality. Steel items under the BIS certification must bear the ISI mark and a BIS license number, which signifies compliance with the standards laid out in the BIS Act of 2016.

The BIS certification primarily prevents the dumping of substandard steel products in the Indian market, safeguarding industries reliant on high-quality materials.

Steel Products Exempt from Mandatory Certification

While BIS certification is mandatory for many steel products, certain items are exempt. These products require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel for customs clearance. The NOC indicates that the steel product does not fall under the mandatory certification requirements. In some cases, customs officials may mistakenly identify a product as requiring BIS certification due to its HS (Harmonized System) code, even when it doesn’t. To avoid delays and penalties, obtaining a NOC becomes crucial.

Ministry of Steel’s Quality Control Order

The Ministry of Steel issues periodic updates to the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order under the BIS Act of 2016. This order mandates that all steel imports must meet BIS standards unless explicitly exempted. The Ministry also introduced the TCQCO Portal, a platform for steel importers to apply for clarifications or NOCs for products not covered under BIS certification. Importers are required to submit individual applications for every steel consignment through the portal.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Steel Importers

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required for importing steel products that do not meet the mandatory BIS certification standards. In essence, the NOC serves as proof that a particular steel product is exempt from certification. This helps importers avoid penalties, delays, and confusion at customs when their products are erroneously classified under certified categories.

Common Issues Faced by Steel Importers

NOC Application Process

The Ministry of Steel has streamlined the process for obtaining an NOC through the TCQCO Portal. Importers must apply for an NOC for every consignment that does not require BIS certification. The NOC is granted on a per-grade, per-consignment basis, ensuring that only the specific products exempt from certification are cleared.

Here are the types of NOC applications:

1. Application for Advanced Certification (Advance NOC)

   Importers can apply for a NOC before placing an order to ensure that their product will not face issues at customs. This proactive approach helps importers avoid delays and ensures smooth clearance at ports.

   Documents Required:
   • KYC of the importer
   • Mill test certificate issued by the manufacturer
   • Product photograph
   • National or international product specifications
2. NOC for Material in Transit

   For products already in transit, importers can apply for a NOC through the TCQCO portal. This allows importers to secure the necessary clearance before their shipment reaches Indian ports.

   Documents Required:
   • KYC of the importer
   • Mill test certificate
   • Product photograph
   • Bill of lading
3. NOC for Material at the Port

   If the shipment has already arrived at the Indian port, the importer can apply for a NOC after generating a Bill of Entry (BOE). This step is crucial to ensure that the material is cleared without penalties.

   Documents Required:
   • KYC of the importer
   • Mill test certificate
   • Bill of lading
   • Import invoice
   • Product photograph
   • Bill of entry
4. NOC for Repeat Orders

   For importers who have previously obtained an NOC for a particular grade of steel, the Ministry of Steel allows the application of an NOC for repeat orders. This helps streamline the process for frequent importers.

   Documents Required:
   • KYC of the importer
   • Mill test certificate
   • Bill of lading
   • Product photograph
   • Old NOC certificate
   • Ministry letter