Skelp (strips for pipes and tubes)

Stainless steel skelp, strips for pipes and tubes

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 6911 · SIMS OVERLAY

HSN 7220 90 10 (stainless steel skelp, strips for pipes and tubes) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order under the Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024. Conformity to IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 29 August 2024, subject to a Ministry of Steel exemption for these three standards until 31 March 2026. Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) registration administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

7220 90 10

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 6911 · effective 29-08-2024

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

SIMSSIMS·Steel Import Monitoring System

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the Ministry of Steel exemption under F.No. S-20011/15/2024-Tech-Part-1 dated 20-11-2025 still applies at the time of import: IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 are exempt from mandatory BIS input-adherence until 31 March 2026. If importing after that date, source only from a BIS CM/L-licensed manufacturer against the applicable IS.
Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Ministry of Steel order dated 20-11-2025 (F.No. S-20011/15/2024-Tech-Part-1)
2
Where a CM/L licence is required, confirm the supplier's licence number, licensed IS scope (IS 6911, IS 5522, or IS 15997), grade range, and licensed manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order. Ensure the licensed product scope covers the specific grade and dimensions of the skelp being imported.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024
3
Ensure each consignment is accompanied by a test certificate bearing the standard mark, issued by the BIS-certified manufacturer, as required by the Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024. Sub-standard or defective product that does not conform to the specified IS must be disposed of as scrap without violating Section 17(1)(b) of the BIS Act, 2016.
Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016 (11 of 2016)
4
Register the consignment on the SIMS portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival. Fee ₹500, registration valid for 75 days from issue. Also ensure compliance with CBIC instruction 16/2025-CUS dated 18-06-2025 as modified by CBIC instruction 23/2025-CUS dated 15-07-2025 regarding SIMS registration for QCO-mapped steel products.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · CBIC Instruction 16/2025-CUS dated 18-06-2025 · CBIC Instruction 23/2025-CUS dated 15-07-2025
5
If importing without BIS licence or certification, apply for clarification on the TCQCO portal for each consignment as mandated by the Ministry of Steel circular dated 20-10-2023. Quote the BIS CM/L number (or exemption basis) and SIMS registration number on the bill of entry; either absent, expired, or scope-mismatched triggers consignment detention.
Ministry of Steel circular dated 20-10-2023 (F.No. S-20011/14/2021-Tech) · CBIC clarification F.No. 401/88/2023-Cus.III dated 09-11-2023 · ITC (HS) policy condition 5 of Chapter 72

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating the Ministry of Steel's IS 6911 / IS 5522 / IS 15997 exemption as indefinite relief and failing to track its 31 March 2026 expiry. Importers who have built sourcing pipelines on the assumption of continuing exemption face sudden detention of unmarked consignments the moment the exemption lapses — or if it is not renewed — because the underlying Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024 obligation remains fully operative. Calendar the expiry date at the purchase-order stage, not at the bill-of-entry stage.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7220 90 10 require BIS certification?

Yes. Conformity to IS 6911, IS 5522, or IS 15997 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme per the Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024 with effect from 29 August 2024. A Ministry of Steel exemption on mandatory input-adherence for all three standards applies until 31 March 2026.

Is SIMS registration required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. SIMS registration is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 and is independent of the BIS QCO obligation. Fee ₹500, validity 75 days, apply no earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival date.

Does the Ministry of Steel exemption on IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 also waive the SIMS registration requirement?

No. The exemption under the Ministry of Steel order dated 20-11-2025 applies only to mandatory BIS input-adherence for those three Indian Standards. SIMS registration and all other customs-clearance overlays remain fully operative.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all stainless steel grades and dimensions?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific by IS number, grade, dimensional range, and manufacturing facility. Skelp falling outside the licensed scope or supplied from an unlicensed plant is not covered, and customs detains the consignment on a scope mismatch.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / SIMS / DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.