Enhancing steel imports with smarter regulations for seamless supply.

Steel Ministry Exempts 202 BIS Licences from SIMS Portal Requirements to Boost Imports.

The Ministry of Steel has granted exemptions to 202 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licences from mandatory compliance under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) portal, facilitating smoother steel imports. Announced in an order dated August 8, 2025, this move covers integrated steel plants (ISPs) from 16 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, and the US. Japan leads with over 80 licences exempted, followed by South Korea with more than 50. The relaxation removes the requirement for input steel adherence for final products supplied by these foreign ISPs, reducing delays linked to SIMS procedures. While BIS licensing continues to ensure steel quality and safety, the exemption aims to streamline import processes and maintain a steady supply to India’s steel sector. This step aligns with the ministry’s efforts to improve regulatory efficiency and support industry growth.