Steel NOC Under BIS – Complete Guide to Requirements, Process & Compliance

Steel products used in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and engineering industries in India must comply with the quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). To ensure that only safe and high-quality steel is imported into the country, BIS mandates importers to obtain a Steel NOC (No Objection Certificate) before clearing consignments at Indian ports. This certification ensures that the imported steel products conform to the relevant Indian Standard (IS Code) and meet the required safety and performance specifications.

The Steel NOC under BIS is a compulsory requirement for importers dealing with items such as steel coils, bars, wires, sheets, billets, rods, and various other steel forms. Without this NOC, customs authorities will not allow the clearance of steel consignments, and non-compliance may result in detention, penalties, or rejection of the shipment. Understanding the Steel NOC requirements helps importers avoid delays and maintain seamless international trade operations.

What is Steel NOC Under BIS?

Steel NOC under BIS is an official approval issued to importers to ensure that the imported steel products meet the quality standards prescribed under the Quality Control Orders (QCO) issued by the Government of India. The purpose of this NOC is to prevent the entry of substandard or unsafe steel into the Indian market.

This process involves verifying product details, testing samples (where applicable), and ensuring compliance with the relevant IS standards. The NOC ensures that imported steel products are safe for use in infrastructure, construction, industrial applications, and consumer products.

Who Needs a Steel NOC from BIS?

Any importer bringing regulated steel products into India must obtain a Steel NOC before the goods can be released by customs. This includes:

• Importers dealing in steel coils, sheets, plates, rods, wires, or billets
• Manufacturers importing raw steel materials for production
• Traders importing finished or semi-finished steel products
• EPC contractors or infrastructure companies importing specialized steel
• Businesses sourcing steel products that fall under mandatory BIS certification

If an imported steel product falls under a notified Quality Control Order, obtaining the NOC becomes an essential compliance step.

Documents Required for Steel NOC Application

To obtain the Steel NOC, importers must prepare and submit accurate documentation. The typical requirements include:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of entry and shipment details
• Mill test certificate (MTC) from the manufacturer
• Country of origin certificate
• Product specifications and technical details
• Relevant Indian Standard (IS code) under which the product falls
• Test reports, if required
• Details of end-use or importer declaration

Preparing correct documentation is crucial to avoid delays in customs clearance and ensure timely import operations.

Process for Obtaining Steel NOC Under BIS

The Steel NOC approval process includes the following steps

1. Product Identification & Standard Verification
The importer must first identify whether the steel product falls under the BIS mandatory certification list and locate the corresponding IS code.
2. Submission of Application
An online application is filed on the BIS portal, along with required documents such as invoices, MTC, packing lists, and shipment details.
3. Review by BIS Officials
BIS reviews the application, verifies the documents, and may request additional information or clarification if required.
4. Sample Testing (If Applicable)
In certain cases, BIS may require the importer to submit product samples for testing at a BISrecognized laboratory.
5. Issuance of NOC
Once the application meets all compliance requirements and testing is completed (if needed), BIS issues the Steel NOC. This certificate allows customs to release the imported steel consignment. This structured process ensures that only quality-certified steel products are allowed into the Indian market.

Why Steel NOC Under BIS Is Important

The Steel NOC plays an essential role in maintaining quality and safety standards across the country. It ensures that:
• Only high-quality steel enters the Indian market
• Substandard or unsafe imported products are restricted
• Infrastructure and industrial projects use compliant materials
• Consumers receive durable, reliable, and tested steel products
• Importers follow national regulations and avoid legal complications

Consequences of Importing Steel Without BIS NOC

Importing steel without the mandatory BIS NOC can result in:

• Detention of goods at customs
• Heavy penalties and fines
• Re-export or destruction of the consignment
• Delays in project timelines and financial losses
• Legal action for violating the Quality Control Order
Therefore, obtaining the Steel NOC before import is critical for uninterrupted business operations.

Why Choose PSR Compliance for Steel NOC Under BIS

• Expertise in handling BIS Quality Control Orders for all steel categories
• Accurate documentation to prevent customs delays and shipment detention
• End-to-end support—from IS code identification to BIS portal filing
• Strong understanding of MTC, product specifications, and compliance requirements
• Fast, smooth processing for timely NOC issuance
• Proven experience with importers dealing in coils, sheets, billets, rods, and other steelproducts