India’s Ministry of Steel announced an extension of the mandatory BIS certification exemption for stainless steel flat products, including semi-finished and final products, until October 26, 2026.

This decision includes the IS 14650 standard, covering billets, blooms, and slabs. Local supply deficits triggered by energy shortages and geopolitical tensions forced this policy adjustment to meet strong downstream demand.

Market participants said that relaxed origin tracking effectively reopens the market for direct Chinese imports, bypassing previous transit routes. Although this move addresses India's raw material scarcity, it places great pricing pressure on other exporters.

Taiwanese steel mills, which initially regarded the extension as an opportunity, now face intense competition as Chinese suppliers reclaim significant market share across mainstream grades such as 304 and 316 with a price advantage.