THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 14, 2026

The Ministry of Steel will hold an Open House on August 21 to provide steel-consuming industries and industry associations an opportunity to directly flag difficulties related to steel imports, including issues concerning the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), SARAL SIMS and Quality Control Order (QCO) exemptions.

The Open House, aimed at facilitating wider industry participation and addressing import-related concerns, will be conducted from 11 am to 5 pm at the Steel Room, 3rd Floor, GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi. Companies and associations facing difficulties relating to SIMS/SARAL SIMS/QCO exemption applications have been invited to present their issues during the interaction.

To secure a confirmed time slot, interested companies and associations have been advised to send their requests to [email protected] by August 18, 2026, at 2 pm.

While submitting their requests, participants have been asked to provide the name of the company or association, type of industry and product involved, such as auto, aerospace, telecom or defence, and specify whether the issue relates to SIMS, SARAL SIMS or QCO exemption.

Applicants have also been asked to furnish the reference of the relevant SIMS/SARAL SIMS/QCO exemption application, if any, along with a brief description of the issue limited to 50 words.

The name and designation of the participant, as well as the participant's mobile number and email address, will also have to be provided. The Ministry has made it clear that third-party representation will not be permitted.

The initiative comes as the government seeks direct feedback from industry stakeholders on operational and procedural challenges associated with steel imports, with the Open House providing a platform for companies to put forward specific cases and seek clarity on their concerns.

The Ministry said specific time slots would be communicated to participants through email. Walk-ins will not be permitted due to logistical constraints, while only one representative from each organisation will be allowed to participate to ensure wider industry representation.

Companies and associations having issues related to SIMS, SARAL SIMS or QCO exemption for import of steel have accordingly been advised to submit their requests within the stipulated deadline to obtain confirmed time slots for the August 21 interaction.