Renu Suresh
Expert
Published on: Aug 5, 2025
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) by amending the import policy of major paper products from āFreeā to āFree subject to compulsory registration under PIMSā. However, the online facility of registration will be available from 15th July 2022.PIMS has been introduced to capture specific details of the import of Paper and Paper products under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1. The system would collect detailed information on imports of these products which will aid in the analysis of trade data and facilitate policy formulation. Real-time access to information will enable monitoring and targeted decision-making. Guide to Double Taxation Treaty in IndiaPaper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) has been introduced to capture specific details of the import of Paper and Paper products under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1. The system would collect detailed information on imports of the products which will aid in the analysis of trade data and facilitate policy formulation.Significance of Paper Import Monitoring System
Based on the demand of the domestic paper industry, the introduction of PIMS is intended to curb-- Imports under the āOthersā category Tariff Lines
- Dumping of paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing
- Entry of prohibited goods by misdeclaration
- Re-routing goods through other countries instead of trade agreements
- PIMS may also promote the āMake in Indiaā and āAtmanirbharā initiatives under this category
Features of PIMS
PIMS also has the facility to view earlier online registrations. In addition, incomplete applications which have not been submitted for registration on the DGFT portal are also available in the PIMS for review and further action. Any change in the applicant's mobile/email id will need to be first amended/updated in the DGFT IEC database through the online IEC modification system. Importers who fail to register their information/data on notified items in advance or are found to furnish incorrect data in the online PIMS module will attract punitive action including action under The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) [FTDR] Act, 1992. Online PIMS is available on a 24X7 basis. However, in the interest of trade/importers, it is suggested that registrations are filed/obtained fairly well in advance to avoid disruptions in the business activity of the firm.Import Policy ofĀ Paper Products
Import policy of paper products covering 201 tariff lines has been revised from 'Free' to 'Free subject to compulsory registration under Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) vide Notification 11/2015-20 dated 25.05.2022.Applicability
The Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) shall be applicable on import by a Domestic Territory Area unit on a wide range of paper products covering 201 tariff lines, such as-- Newsprint
- Handmade paper
- Coated paper
- Uncoated paper
- Litho and offset paper
- Tissue paper
- Toilet paper
- Cartons
- Labels, etc
Excluded Items
Paper products like currency paper, bank bonds, Cheque paper, security printing paper, etc. have been excluded from mandatory registration under Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS).Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) Processes
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)) shall require importers to submit advance information in an online system for the import of items: Further, registration under PIMS shall also be required at the point of import by a Unit in Special Economic Zone/Free Trading Warehousing Zone or at the time of import by an Export Oriented Unit of the items covered under PIMS. However, registration under PIMS shall not be required by the Domestic Territory Area (DTA) Unit at the time of Customs Clearance from the SEZ/FTWZ/EOU to DTA if no processing has taken place of the item of paper that has already been registered under PIMS at the time of entry into an SEZ/FTWZ/EOU.PIMS Registration Number
As per PIMS, an importer will be required to obtain an automatic registration number through an online system by paying a fee of Rs. 500/- only. The importer can apply for registration not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment.- Multiple Bill of Entries shall be allowed in the same registration number within the validity period of registration for the permitted quantity.
- The importer shall have to enter the Registration Number and expiry date of Registration in the Bill of Entry to enable Customs to clearance the consignment.