Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) is a government-mandated digital platform that requires importers to register specific steel imports in advance. It helps steel importers with customs clearance and other shipping requirements. It ensures transparency, prevents unfair trade practices, and provides the government with real-time data to support policy decisions—safeguarding the interests of India’s domestic steel industry. In this article, let us explore the key process and nuances of SIMS registration:
1.Legal Background of SIMS:
- Notification No. 17/2015-20 dated September 5, 2019 issued by DGFT and other notifications
- Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992;
- Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and subsequent amendments;
2. Key Points:
- Under SIMS, registration is mandatory for importing over 542 specific steel products, classified under 8-digit HS codes in Chapters 72 and 73 and 86 of the ITC (HS) 2017 Schedule I.
- Effective July 25, 2024, the Ministry of Steel and DGFT launched SIMS 2.0, mandating all new steel import registrations to be submitted via https://sims.steel.gov.in
- Historical data from SIMS 1.0 will remain available for reference and audit purposes.
3. Major Steel Import products under SIMS:
- Flat Steel Products:-
- Hot-rolled coils/sheets/strips
- Cold-rolled coils/sheets/strips
- Galvanized and coated sheets
- Tin Plates and tin-free steel
- Electrical Steel
- Colour-coated steel products
- Long Steel Products like bars and rods, structural steel, alloy steel bars and rods, forged steel products etc.
- Pipes and Tubes like stainless tubes and pipes, pipe fittings, welded pipes etc.
- Stainless Steel products like flat and long products, steel wire, kitchenware, utensils and other steel articles.
4. Step by Step procedure for SIMS registration:
Visit the Portal – Go to https://sims.steel.gov.in to begin the registration.
- Login/Register – New users register with IEC; existing users can log in directly.
- Fill Application Form – Enter importer details, HS code, quantity, value, origin, port, and expected arrival (must be 15–60 days before arrival).
- Upload Documents – Attach invoice, bill of lading (if available), DSC, and product specification.
- Pay Fee – Pay a flat ₹500 online via net banking or UPI.
- Submit & Download Certificate – After payment, download the SIMS certificate (valid for 75 days); quote SIMS number in the Bill of Entry.
5. Documents Required
- Basic details and documents of applicants
- Proof of business
- Digital signature certificate (e- token)
- Import-export code
- HSN code of the product
- Bill of lading, invoice copy.
6. Importance of SIMS for Steel Importers:
- SIMS registration is compulsory to clear steel imports under notified HS codes.
- Timely registration prevents shipment delays, demurrage, and port rejections.
- Ensures alignment with DGFT rules and steel import regulations.
- Helps curb dumping and under-invoicing, safeguarding fair trade.
- Import data aids the government in setting tariffs and trade measures.
User Manual – Steel Import Monitoring System – SIMS v 2.0
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In case you are planning for import of steel/ steel products or their raw materials and need any SIMS/DPIIT NOC/BIS support or have any query, you may like to connect with us.
Abhinarayan Mishra FCA, FCS, LL.B, IP, RV; Partner, KPAM & Associates, Chartered Accountants, New Delhi ; +91 9910744992; ca.abhimishra@gmail.com; abhi.mishra@kpam.in
Author Bio
as the SIMS provision is that importer have to obtain SIMS Certificate prior 7 days of shipment arrival, but if, importer file and obtain SIMS after the arrival of the shipment and file the Bill of entry after receipt of the SIMS, in this condition, importer can face any problem from customs for clear the goods?
Nalin, Pls apply asap
What are the provisions if there is a delay in the registration of the SIMS?