BIS Exempted Raw Materials: Synthetic Fibre & Yarns, Plastics & Polymers, Base Metals, Steel (Specific Categories), Steel Imports, Footwear & Electronics Components

Introduction to the BIS Exemption for Raw Materials

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently implemented significant reforms to the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which indeed offer major compliance relief to manufacturers, MSMEs, importers, as well as exporters dealing with raw materials and intermediate goods. These changes follow a detailed review that has been conducted under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016, with the aim of easing regulatory burdens for allowing smooth trade and aligning India’s quality framework with global standards.

Certain Product Categories Now Exempted from BIS QCOs

BIS has removed as well as postponed certain QCO applicability for several categories of industrial inputs, including Raw Materials, Intermediate Products, Capital Goods, and Components. Here are the major reforms made by the authorities:

1. Synthetic Fibres & Yarns: QCO withdrawn (effective 15 November 2025)
2. Plastics & Polymers: QCO withdrawn for unprocessed and primary forms
3. Base Metals (Copper, Aluminium, Nickel): QCO withdrawn due to no direct consumer safety impact
4. Steel (Specific Categories): QCO suspended except for construction-grade and pressure-vessel steel
5. Steel Imports: NOC and monitoring requirements removed for non-QCO grades
6. Footwear & Electronics Components: QCO withdrawn for intermediate components in order to allow design flexibility
7. Upcoming QCOs: Implementation has been deferred till further notice, and BIS is to realign with international standards

Why BIS Changed the Rules: Criteria Behind the Exemptions

The latest BIS decision to exclude raw materials, intermediate products, capital goods, and components from QCO provisions is based on the following criteria:

• Safety & Environmental Risk
  To check whether the product directly impacts consumer safety or poses any kind of environmental hazards.
• Impact on MSMEs & Domestic Manufacturing
  To check whether mandatory compliance would create unnecessary delays, cost pressures, or operational challenges, especially for units that are smaller.
• Testing Infrastructure & Cost
  To see whether sufficient laboratory facilities exist and whether testing these inputs is practical, cost-effective, as well as actually meaningful.
• Alignment With Global Standards
  To assess whether India’s regulatory approach matches international practices and supports easier global trade.

Purpose of These Reforms

• Remove unnecessary compliance load
• Reduce costs and delays
• Support MSMEs and export-driven units
• Prioritize safety by focusing QCOs on finished goods
• Strengthen India’s global competitiveness

These updates simplify operations without compromising consumer safety and mark a major shift towards a risk-based regulatory approach, being introduced by the BIS.

Industry Impact of these Reforms

• Easier compliance as well as reduced documentation
• Lower production costs and faster manufacturing cycles
• Greater flexibility for innovation and material selection
• Smoother import–export movement
• Better alignment with global markets and standards

Businesses should definitely continue following voluntary standards and stay updated on future BIS notifications regarding product inclusion or withdrawal.

Brand Liaison: Compliance Support for Indian & Global Businesses

Brand Liaison continues to support manufacturers, importers, as well as exporters with complete BIS regulatory guidance. In order to gain consumer confidence and prevent any last-minute hassles (in case of reimposition of the QCOs), businesses are advised to continue following the market regulations and standards for safety and quality. With India's compliance rules evolving rapidly, Brand Liaison helps businesses:

• Track new BIS notifications
• Understand QCO applicability
• Maintain voluntary and mandatory compliance
• Prepare for future enforcement changes
• Operate smoothly and worry-free in the Indian market

With end-to-end compliance management expertise, Brand Liaison makes sure that businesses stay fully prepared while continuing to grow confidently in India’s competitive economy.