The Indian government has extended the exemption from certification requirements for finished stainless steel flat products until March 31, 2027. However, small and medium-sized stainless steel producers are urging the government to reinstate the mandatory quality control order on imported stainless steel to curb the surge in low-priced Chinese imports. 

India began easing the policy in late 2025 to address domestic shortages of certain grades of stainless steel. However, imports rose sharply within two months of the policy change. 

In April, India's stainless steel imports reached 101,252 tons, soaring by 65% year-on-year. Meanwhile, China's finished steel exports to India doubled from a year earlier, reaching the highest level in two years.