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 ‘Free’ to ‘Free subject to compulsory registration under PIMS’. 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 India

Paper 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 “Others” 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 ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ 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 of 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

Refer to the attachment to know more about the Products under Chapter-48 (201 Tariff lines):

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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.

Validity of PIMS Registration Number

The automatic registration Number shall remain valid for 75 days and multiple consignments Bill of Entry (BoEs) shall be allowed in the same registration number within the validity period of registration, for the permitted quantity.

Applicability of PIMS at the Time of Import at SEZ/FTWZ/EOU

The PIMS will be effective from 01.10.2022 i.e. Bill of Entry on or after 01.10.2022 for items as listed in Annexure –I to this Notification shall be governed by PIMS.

Procedure to Get PIMS Registration Number

Access the official website of the DPIIT Paper Import Monitoring System. Select the import category as Paper. The link will redirect to a new page, The exporter can log in to the portal using the IEC to get the PIMS registration number.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Paper Import Monitoring System India.

The Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) is a new system introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India to capture specific details of the import of paper and paper products under Chapter 48 of the ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1. It aims to collect detailed information on imports of these products to aid in trade data analysis and policy formulation.

PIMS was introduced based on the demand of the domestic paper industry to curb certain issues, including imports under the "Others" category, tariff lines, dumping of paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing, entry of prohibited goods by misdeclaration, and re-routing goods through other countries instead of trade agreements.

PIMS offers features such as the ability to view earlier online registrations, access incomplete applications, and make changes to the applicant's mobile/email ID. It operates 24x7, and importers who fail to register or furnish incorrect data may face punitive action under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

The import policy for 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.

PIMS covers a wide range of paper products, such as newsprint, handmade paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, litho and offset paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, cartons, labels, etc., covering 201 tariff lines under Chapter 48 of the ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1.

An importer can apply for registration and obtain an automatic registration number through an online system by paying a fee of Rs. 500/-. The application can be made not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment.

The automatic PIMS registration number remains valid for 75 days, and multiple consignments (Bill of Entries) are allowed under the same registration number within the validity period for the permitted quantity.

Yes, registration under PIMS is also required at the point of import by a Unit in an SEZ/FTWZ or at the time of import by an EOU for the items covered under PIMS.

PIMS will be effective from 01.10.2022, meaning Bill of Entries on or after this date for items listed in Annexure-I of the Notification shall be governed by PIMS.

To obtain a PIMS registration number, an importer needs to access the official website of the DPIIT Paper Import Monitoring System, select the import category as Paper, log in using their Importer Exporter Code (IEC), and follow the instructions to generate the registration number.