Nickel chromium austenitic type

Flat-rolled stainless steel strip, nickel chromium austenitic grades

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

HSN 7220 90 22 (flat-rolled stainless steel, nickel chromium austenitic type, width under 600 mm) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme by virtue of the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 (S.O. 3716(E)); however, the Ministry of Steel has granted an exemption from mandatory BIS adherence for all 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 22

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 6911 · effective 28-09-2020

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
Confirm the current operative status of the BIS QCO exemption before shipment: the Ministry of Steel order dated 20-11-2025 grants exemption from mandatory adherence to IS 6911, IS 5522, and IS 15997 for stainless steel flat products until 31 March 2026. Retain documentary evidence of this exemption with the bill of entry.
Ministry of Steel order dated 20-11-2025, F.No. S-20011/15/2024-Tech-Part-1 · Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024
2
For consignments imported without BIS CM/L certification during the exemption window, apply for and obtain a clarification on the TCQCO portal before import. This is a mandatory step for every steel consignment imported without BIS licence under the Ministry of Steel circular.
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
3
Once the exemption expires (post 31 March 2026), source only from BIS CM/L-licensed manufacturers against the applicable IS — IS 6911 for general industrial grades, IS 5522 for consumer-use sheet, and IS 15997 for low-nickel austenitic grades. Verify each supplier's CM/L number, licensed scope, and facility on the BIS register before placing the purchase order.
Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4
Register the consignment on the SIMS portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival. The fee is ₹500, and the automatic registration number is valid for 75 days. Re-imports for packaging only and SEZ-DTA movements without value addition are exempt from SIMS registration.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022
5
Ensure the bill of entry cites the SIMS registration number and, where BIS certification applies, the supplier's CM/L number. Comply with CBIC Instructions 16/2025-CUS and 23/2025-CUS regarding verification of Indian Standards for steel input materials mapped under the QCO requiring mandatory SIMS registration.
CBIC Instruction 16/2025-CUS dated 18-06-2025 · CBIC Instruction 23/2025-CUS dated 15-07-2025 · ITC (HS) Chapter 72, Policy Condition 5

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Ministry of Steel exemption dated 20-11-2025 as permanent relief and allowing BIS CM/L sourcing discipline to lapse entirely. The exemption is explicitly time-bound until 31 March 2026; consignments shipped without a CM/L after that date will face detention regardless of prior exemption reliance. Importers must build a firm post-exemption sourcing plan — confirming which IS (6911, 5522, or 15997) governs their specific grade and use — well before the deadline, not after the first detained consignment.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 7220 90 22 require BIS certification?

Yes, under the ISI Mark Scheme against IS 6911, IS 5522, or IS 15997 by virtue of S.O. 3716(E). However, the Ministry of Steel order dated 20-11-2025 grants exemption from mandatory adherence to all three standards until 31 March 2026; BIS CM/L compliance becomes unconditionally mandatory after that date.

Is SIMS registration required during the BIS exemption period?

Yes. SIMS registration is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade independently of the BIS QCO exemption; it applies throughout and is not suspended by the Ministry of Steel exemption order.

Which Indian Standard applies — IS 6911, IS 5522, or IS 15997?

IS 6911 covers general industrial stainless steel plate, sheet and strip across all grades. IS 5522 applies to sheet and strip for utensils and kitchenware. IS 15997 governs low-nickel austenitic grades for utensil and general engineering use; the applicable standard is determined by grade and end-use.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all three stainless steel standards and all manufacturing facilities?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific by Indian Standard, product grade, and licensed manufacturing facility; a supplier's licence against IS 6911 does not cover IS 5522 or IS 15997 grades, and product from an unlicensed plant is not covered.

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