India imports large volumes of steel every year, making it vital to regulate quality and prevent substandard material dumping. Under BIS regulations, 145+ steel product categories require mandatory certification and ISI marking.
However, some steel grades and specifications are exempt from compulsory BIS certification. For these exempt categories, importers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel to clear consignments at customs.
Absolute Veritas assists importers in identifying eligibility, preparing documents, submitting applications, and securing NOCs within 30 days.
Under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order regulated by BIS Act 2016, imported steel must comply with:
- BIS certification
- Mill Test Certificates
- ISI marking with BIS license details
For materials outside BIS scope, a Ministry-issued NOC/exemption is needed to prevent customs delays, demurrage, and penalties.
The Ministry issues NOCs per-grade, per-consignment, hence importers must apply separately for every shipment.
The Ministry accepts three kinds of clarification requests:
- Advance Clarification Request (before ordering material)
- In-Transit Clarification Request
- Port Arrival Clarification Request
Each request requires consignment-specific documentation.
- Covering letter
- Information form issued by Ministry of Steel
- Mill Test Certificate
- International Standard / Company Specification copy
- Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Insurance
- Actual Mill Test Certificates
- Packing List
- All above documents + Bill of Entry
- Covering letter with consignment details
- Proper document flagging for review
- Mandatory Consignment Details
- Importer name
- HS Code
- Item description
- Grade
- Quantity
- Invoice number
- Mill Test Certificate
- Packing list
- Insurance details
- Bill of Lading
- Bill of Entry (if material at port)
⮚ Repeat case applications must include the previous NOC copy for faster processing.
- Renewal Process
- License valid for 1 year
- Renewable annually with fees and compliance verification
- Eligibility assessment
- Document checklist and compliance review
- Application preparation
- Filing on TCQCO portal
- Assistance in Technical Committee and Empowered Committee escalations
Factory must be located outside India
Products must comply with relevant Indian Standards
In-house testing facilities must be available
Qualified technical staff for quality inspections
Acceptance of Scheme of Inspection & Testing (SIT)
Payment of marking and certification fees
Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
A separate application is required for each product and factory location.
We coordinate document preparation, attend ministry evaluation cycles, and secure approvals quickly so your consignment clears customs without delay.
- Product Specifications
- Test Reports
- Mill Test Certificates
- Declaration Letters
- Packing List
- Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Insurance Documents
- Any other supporting files
- Applicable Government Fees
- Ministry compliance expertise
- Quick processing across consignment categories
- Zero error document preparation
- Dedicated team until approval and customs clearance
FAQ — NOC for Steel Importers
It is an official exemption document confirming that your steel item does not fall under mandatory BIS certification and is allowed for import.
Yes — for exempt grades, customs clearance requires an NOC from Ministry of Steel.
No — only BIS-listed steel categories require ISI marking.
Others need Ministry-issued NOC instead.
Submit a complete application to Ministry of Steel via TCQCO Portal, supported with correct evidence. Our team manages this entire process.
Incorrect HS codes, missing Mill Test Certificates, unclear specifications, or absence of previous NOC copies in repeat cases.