
Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS)
SIMS is a licensing program applicable to steel importers. The Government felt the need to introduce a licensing program which would enable the maintenance of a statistical database recording of all the steel imports entering into the country. Accordingly, SIMS was introduced with effect from 1st November 2019 through Notification no.17/2015-2020 dated 5th September 2019. This notification makes advance registration compulsory for all steel-related imports which can be accessed below: The purpose of SIMS is to enable the Government to maintain a constantly updated database which contains advance information about steel imports entering into the country. This data would help the government to arrive at effective policy formulations and implementations regarding steel imports. Also, various other stakeholders associated with the steel industry will be empowered to obtain information about the various steel products imported into the country. The data stored in the SIMS portal is published every week on the website of the Ministry of Steel and can be viewed by the public. SIMS is a fully electronic procedure. Details have to be updated by the assessee in the website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The relevant information should be registered with the SIMS whenever a shipment of steel is imported. There is no need for sending any physical documents.Applicability and Time Limit
With effect from 01.11.2019, obtaining a license under SIMS is compulsory for all assessees who are importing any of the 284 steel products covered by the notification. To check whether the product imported by the assessee attracts the SIMS or not, read the list of HSCs provided by the Government and note down the Harmonised System Code (HSC) for the product imported. Then check the HSC provided in the notification. When there is a match, it means that importing the product requires the user to apply for a SIMS license. The list of products attracting the need to apply for a SIMS license can be accessed from the below link: List of Products under SIMS Before applying for a SIMS license, the assessee should obtain an Import Export Code (IEC). For each shipment a separate license is necessary. Any number of steel products can be covered in a single license. The application should be made 15 to 60 days before the date on which the imported goods arrive in India. Assessees who do not register under SIMS or provide incorrect information are liable for punitive action.Procedure
Step-1: Access the DGFT SIMS Portal. Type the IEC and fill in the relevant captcha particulars. Then click ‘Generate OTP’.

About the Author
ARNOLD TPost By IndiaFilings.
Updated on: December 17th, 2019
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