What is NOC for Steel Products 

Steel and steel products are one of the major products that are being imported to India on a large scale. Due to very heavy imports, there are high chances of product dumping. This is the reason; some steel products (approx 145) are already under the ambit of mandatory certification by the BIS Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

As per BIS norms, the steel products which are compulsory to be certified must bear ISI Mark on them. The major motive of ISI Mark is to provide Zero defect products and steel products of superior quality. However, there are some steel products that are still exempted from mandatory certification. These steel products only require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of steel for Import and customs clearance.

No Objection Certificate (Noc) For Steel Importers

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a certificate that is necessary for steel goods that have different specifications. If the properties of steel grade/product do not fall under the purview mandatory BIS list for Steel and Steel Products, the Ministry of Steel issues exemption/clarification/NOC on the consignment coming to India.

In some circumstances, a product's code implies to customs that BIS registrations are necessary - yet they are not. Furthermore, customs officials may confuse "similar" products with those covered by "required certification," resulting in needless delays in consignment clearance and significant penalties.

To avoid delays and penalties, you must get a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) from BIS stating that the given steel product is not covered under mandatory BIS Certification. NOC will be granted by MOS on per grade per consignment basis.

Ministry Of Steel's Quality Control Order: Mandatory Clarification For Steel Imports

The Ministry of Steel has introduced the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, as part of the BIS Act, 2016. This order is periodically issued to encompass more steel grades and related products. Under this Quality Control Order, all imported steel products must possess BIS certification, along with a Mill Test Certificate. They should also bear markings indicating ISI and the BIS license number.

To facilitate the issuance of clarifications to steel importers, the Ministry of Steel has established a dedicated portal known as the TCQCO Portal. Importantly, it is now mandatory for all steel importers to apply and request clarification for every steel consignment imported into the country without BIS certification through this dedicated portal. It's worth noting that the Ministry issues clarifications for each import consignment. Importers are required to submit fresh applications through the TCQCO portal for every consignment unless otherwise specified in the clarification provided.

Types of Request for Clarification under Ministry of Steel

The Ministry of Steel has constituted a Technical Committee for inspection and analysis of the applications received for issuance of Registration, and whether the products are covered under the purview of the  Steel and  Steel  Products  (Quality  Control)  Order,  2020  notified on 22nd December 2020. NOC will be granted by MOS on a per grade per consignment basis.

Type of Request and required documents as listed below: -

1. Clarification in Advance (Before ordering the material/goods)
2. Clarification for material is in transit
3. Clarification for material reaches the Port of destination

The following documents are required for submission of the application under the Ministry of Steel: -

• A valid Copy of the Mill Test Certificates (MTC) indicating the Certificate/Heat number
• Description Copy of International Standards & Company Specifications
• Product Photograph
• IEC Certificate of Importer
• Company Pan Card
• Covering letter

NOC Mandatory list for Steel