New Delhi, Oct 23: The Union Ministry of Steel will hold an Open House on October 28 to address issues faced by companies and industry associations in importing steel, with a focus on regulatory procedures and compliance-related challenges.
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According to an official statement issued on Friday, the session will take place from 11 am to 5 pm at the Steel Room, third floor, GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi.
The initiative is intended to provide a platform for businesses to raise concerns related to the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), SARAL SIMS and exemptions from Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
Registration Deadline Set for October 26
Companies and industry associations seeking to participate must submit their requests by email no later than 12 noon on October 26, 2026, to obtain a confirmed time slot.
The Ministry said individual appointment timings would be communicated through email. Walk-in participation will not be permitted due to logistical constraints, and only one representative from each organisation will be allowed to attend.
Applicants must provide details of their industry and products, such as automotive, aerospace, telecommunications or defence. They must also briefly describe the issue they wish to raise in no more than 50 words and include the participant’s name, designation, mobile number and email address.
The Ministry has clarified that third-party representation will not be permitted.
Focus on SIMS, SARAL SIMS and QCO Exemptions
The Open House will address concerns relating to three key regulatory areas governing steel imports.
The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) requires importers to comply with the applicable monitoring and registration procedures for specified steel products.
SARAL SIMS was introduced to simplify the registration process for eligible small consignments imported by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other small importers. It also covers eligible imports under routes such as Advance Authorisation, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) for export-related purposes.
The session will also consider issues involving Quality Control Order (QCO) exemptions. QCOs prescribe mandatory quality requirements for covered steel products, with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification and marking requirements.
By engaging directly with industry representatives, the Ministry aims to hear concerns about these procedures and the challenges businesses face in complying with the rules.
India’s Core Industries Record Strong Growth
The announcement comes as India’s core infrastructure industries reported a year-on-year growth rate of 7.9 per cent in September, according to the figures cited in the report. The performance marked a 30-month high and was supported by growth in sectors including iron ore, electricity, coal, refinery products, cement and steel.
Cement production recorded growth of 10.3 per cent, while steel production increased by 4.9 per cent during the month.
Demand for steel has been supported by infrastructure development and public investment in projects involving highways, ports and railways.
Industry Engagement Amid Expanding Steel Demand
As steel consumption and industrial activity remain important to India’s infrastructure ambitions, import procedures and quality compliance continue to be significant concerns for businesses that rely on overseas supplies.
The October 28 Open House will give eligible companies and industry associations an opportunity to present specific problems directly to Ministry officials. The effectiveness of the exercise will depend on how the concerns raised are addressed and whether practical solutions can improve clarity and ease of compliance for importers.