India Eases Import Rules on Key Minerals as Government Revokes Seven QCOs

Picture Credit: by Ipleaders

In a major relief for India’s metal and manufacturing industries, the Ministry of Mines has revoked seven Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that previously required certain minerals, including nickel, copper, aluminium, and lead, to comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms. The decision marks a significant policy reversal following months of strong opposition from domestic industry groups, who argued that the QCOs were causing material shortages, driving up input costs, and disrupting operations.

QCOs, issued by the BIS, mandate that products carry a Standard Mark and restrict their import, manufacture, or sale without a BIS license. While the revoked orders were originally introduced to curb the influx of substandard refined metals into the country, they quickly became a point of contention. Industry bodies such as the Bombay Metal Exchange and the Bombay Non-ferrous Metals Association challenged the mandates in the Bombay High Court, asserting that the rules were threatening the viability of downstream manufacturers and the broader industrial ecosystem.

Picture Credit: by srggroup

Experts say the rollback is a timely intervention. Ajay Srivastava, head of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), emphasized the significance of easing restrictions on minerals that are integral to modern manufacturing. Nickel, for instance, of which India has no domestic production, is indispensable in producing stainless steel, alloy steel, and advanced aerospace components. Similarly, lifting QCOs on lead will benefit battery manufacturers and recyclers, helping meet rising demand for energy storage across vehicles, telecom networks, and solar power systems.

Copper, designated as a critical mineral in India, plays a central role in transformers, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. With the removal of these QCOs, manufacturers are expected to gain smoother access to essential raw materials, helping stabilize costs and support growth in sectors vital to India’s clean energy and industrial ambitions.