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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 1^st November 2019 through Notification no.17/2015-2020 dated 5^th September 2019. This notification makes advance registration compulsory for all steel-related imports which can be accessed below:

SIMS_Notification

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’.

Step-2: The One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the e-mail ID and phone number that was given at the time of registering with the DGFT at the time of applying for the IEC. Enter the OTP in the appropriate field and click ‘Login’.

Step-3: Click ‘New Registration’ and fill the relevant information for the import.

Step-4: Make a payment of fees for the license. The registration fee payable will depend on the value of imported goods. The minimum fees payable is Rs.500 and maximum is Rs.1 lakh.

Step-5: Click the ‘Final Submit’ button. (Please note that after clicking this button, modifications cannot be made in the application. If the applicant is not informed of the information that should be filled in any particular field, the portal can be closed, and the application will be saved as a draft. After obtaining the required information, the application can be resumed.)

Step-6: An Unique Registration Number (URN) will be generated. This will be displayed on the screen and also communicated to the assessee through SMS and e-mail. The URN will be valid for 75 days from the date on which it is generated. The URN should be quoted to the Customs authorities at the time of clearing the imported goods. The URN and the date on which it expires should be mentioned in the Bill of Entry. Only if these entries are available in the Bill of Entry will the consignment be cleared by the Customs authorities.