Horizon Business Solutions(HBS) is providing to our customers a complete guide to the Issuance of Chip Import Monitoring System (CHIMS) — a regulatory framework introduced by the Government of India to monitor imports of semiconductor chips and integrated circuits.
🧭 What is CHIMS?
CHIMS stands for Chip Import Monitoring System, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and DGFT. It mandates advance registration for importing specific electronic integrated circuits under Chapter 85 of the ITC (HS), 2022.
📅 Registration under CHIMS began on October 1, 2021
🎯 Objective of CHIMS
- Track and analyze chip imports in real time
- Prevent misclassification and under-invoicing
- Support India’s semiconductor mission
- Enable policy interventions for critical tech sectors
- Ensure supply chain transparency and security
📘 Covered Chapters & HS Codes
CHIMS applies to select items under Chapter 85:
📝 Registration Process
Step-by-Step:
- Visit the CHIMS Portal
CHIMS Registration Portal - Select Ministry of Electronics → CHIMS
- Click “Apply for New Registration Number”
- Fill in Details
- IEC number
- Product HS code
- Manufacturer and country of origin
- CIF value and expected arrival date
- Pay Registration Fee
- ₹1 per ₹1,000 of CIF value
- Minimum ₹100, Maximum ₹500
- Receive CHIMS Registration Number
- Valid for 75 days
- Must be declared in the Bill of Entry
⚠️ Compliance & Penalties
- Failure to register or incorrect data entry may lead to legal action under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
- Customs clearance is blocked without a valid CHIMS number
📘 CHIMS – Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 1. What is CHIMS?
CHIMS stands for Chip Import Monitoring System, a mandatory registration system for importers of specific electronic integrated circuits under Chapter 85 of ITC (HS), 2022. It was introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and DGFT to monitor chip imports and support India’s semiconductor mission.
🔹 2. Who needs to register under CHIMS?
Any importer bringing in goods under the following HS codes must register:
🔹 3. When should I register?
You can register any time before the consignment arrives at the Indian port. However, it’s recommended to register well in advance to avoid customs delays.
🔹 4. What is the registration fee?
- ₹1 per ₹1,000 of CIF value
- Minimum: ₹100
- Maximum: ₹500
Payment is made electronically during registration.
🔹 5. How long is the registration valid?
Each CHIMS registration is valid for 75 days from the date of issue.
🔹 6. What happens if I don’t register?
- Customs clearance will be denied without a valid CHIMS registration number.
- False or missing information may lead to penal action under the FTDR Act, 1992.
🔹 7. Are any products exempt?
Yes. The following HS codes are excluded from CHIMS:
- 84733010 – Microprocessors
- 84733099 – Memory modules
🔹 8. Can I import multiple consignments under one registration?
Yes, as long as all consignments arrive within the 75-day validity of the registration.
🔹 9. Where do I register?
Use the official CHIMS Portal and select Ministry of Electronics → CHIMS to begin your application.