SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) is a mandatory registration system introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to monitor the import of specified steel products into India. It applies to certain tariff lines under Chapter 72, 73, and 86 of the ITC (HS) classification.It was introduced via Notification No. 17/2015-2020 and later expanded by Notification No. 33/2015-2020.
🎯 Goal of SIMS
The primary objectives of SIMS are:
- Transparency: Track steel imports in real time to ensure fair trade practices.
- Policy Intervention: Enable the government to respond quickly to import surges or dumping.
- Data Collection: Gather detailed data on steel imports for analysis and planning.
- Support Domestic Industry: Protect Indian steel manufacturers from unfair competition.
📘 Chapters and HS Codes Covered
SIMS applies to all HS codes under the following chapters of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonized System), 2017:
Originally, SIMS covered 284 specific HS codes, but as of the latest update, all HS codes under these chapters now require mandatory registration before import.
📝 Registration Requirement
Importers must:
- Register online on the SIMS portal before the goods are shipped.
- Obtain a SIMS Registration Number, which must be declared in the Bill of Entry.
- Submit details like HS code, product description, country of origin, manufacturer info, and expected import date.
📋 Key Features of SIMS
- Mandatory Online Registration: Importers must register steel shipments on the SIMS Portal
- Advance Filing: Registration must be completed at least 15 days before the expected arrival of goods
- Validity: SIMS registration is valid for 75 days
- Applicable Products: Includes flat-rolled products, bars, rods, tubes, and railway materials
🧾 Required Information for Registration
- Importer’s IEC and GSTIN
- HS code and product description
- Quantity and CIF value
- Country of origin and port of discharge
- Expected date of arrival
⚠️ Non-Compliance Consequences
- Imports without valid SIMS registration may be denied customs clearance
- Incorrect or false declarations can lead to penalties under the FTDR Act, 1992
🔍 Tariff Chapters Covered
| Chapter | Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Iron and steel (e.g., flat-rolled products, billets) |
| 73 | Articles of iron or steel (e.g., pipes, tubes, fittings) |
| 86 | Railway or tramway track materials |