Steel Ministry to Hold Open House on Import Issues on October 28

The session will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Steel Room, third floor, GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi. Participants will be assigned specific time slots through email. Walk-ins will not be permitted due to logistical constraints, and only one representative from each organisation will be allowed to ensure wider participation.

Companies and industry associations facing issues related to the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), SARAL SIMS and Quality Control Order (QCO) exemptions for steel imports have been asked to submit their requests by email by noon on October 26, 2026, to secure a confirmed appointment.

Applicants must specify their industry and the relevant product category, such as automotive, aerospace, telecommunications or defence. They must also briefly describe the issue in no more than 50 words and provide the name, designation, mobile number and email address of the proposed participant.

The ministry has clarified that third-party representation will not be permitted at the session.

SIMS and SARAL SIMS are mechanisms designed to monitor steel imports and simplify registration procedures for eligible importers. SARAL SIMS facilitates registration for small consignments imported by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other small importers, as well as certain imports routed through Advance Authorisation, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) for export purposes.

Quality Control Orders, meanwhile, prescribe mandatory compliance requirements for specified steel products. Under applicable QCOs, domestic and foreign manufacturers are required to obtain a valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licence and use the ISI mark to demonstrate conformity with designated Indian standards.

The announcement comes amid strong performance in India's core industries. The country's core sector output grew 7.9 per cent year-on-year in September, its fastest pace in 30 months, supported by growth in iron ore, electricity, coal refinery products, cement and steel.

Cement production rose 10.3 per cent, while steel output increased 4.9 per cent during the month. Demand has been supported by government investment in major infrastructure projects, including highways, ports and railways.