Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS)
Complete assistance for registration and compliance with the Steel Import Monitoring System
What is Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS)?
The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) is a government initiative designed to monitor and regulate the import of steel products into India. It requires importers to register and provide advance information about their steel imports, helping the government to maintain quality standards and prevent dumping of substandard steel products.
As per the Steel Import Monitoring System, importers are required to submit advance information in an online system for import of steel items and obtain an automatic registration number by paying registration fee of Re. 1 per thousand, subject to minimum of Rs. 500/- and maximum of Rs. 1 lakh on CIF value.
Background and Introduction of SIMS
The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) was introduced by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, through a notification dated September 5, 2019. The system was implemented to provide advance information about steel imports to the government and other stakeholders to facilitate effective trade measures. SIMS is similar to the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system of the United States and prior surveillance system in European Union.
The SIMS portal was launched on November 1, 2019, and registration became mandatory for all importers of steel and steel products covered under specific HS codes. The system aims to:
- Monitor and regulate the import of steel products
- Prevent dumping of substandard steel in the Indian market
- Protect domestic steel industry from unfair trade practices
- Collect accurate data on steel imports for policy formulation
- Ensure compliance with quality standards for imported steel
Legal Framework of SIMS
The Steel Import Monitoring System is governed by the following legal provisions:
- Notification No. 17/2015-2020 dated September 5, 2019, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
- Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2020
- Amendments through Notification No. 33/2015-2020 dated October 28, 2019
- Notification No. 34/2015-2020 dated October 31, 2019, making SIMS operational from November 1, 2019
Key Features of SIMS
- Mandatory registration for steel importers
- Online system for advance information submission
- Automatic Registration Number (ARN) generation
- Registration fee based on CIF value
- Validity of registration for 75 days
- Covers 284 steel tariff lines under HS codes
- Integration with Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE)
- Requirement of Bill of Entry (BOE) number for customs clearance
Products Covered Under SIMS
SIMS covers 284 steel products classified under the following HS codes:
| Chapter | Product Category | HS Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | Iron and Steel | 7206 to 7229 |
| 73 | Articles of Iron and Steel | 7301 to 7326 |
| 86 | Railway or Tramway Track Construction Material | 8607 |
The products covered under SIMS include but are not limited to:
Flat Steel Products
- Hot-rolled coils/sheets/strips
- Cold-rolled coils/sheets/strips
- Galvanized/coated sheets
- Tin plates and tin-free steel
- Electrical steel (CRGO/CRNGO)
- Color coated steel products
Long Steel Products
- Bars and rods (including wire rods)
- Structural steel (angles, shapes, sections)
- Railway materials (rails, sleepers)
- Alloy steel bars and rods
- Forged steel products
- Semi-finished products (billets, blooms, slabs)
Pipes and Tubes
- Seamless tubes and pipes
- Welded pipes (ERW, SAW, LSAW)
- Hollow sections
- Stainless steel tubes
- Oil country tubular goods (OCTG)
- Pipe fittings
Stainless Steel Products
- Stainless steel flat products
- Stainless steel long products
- Stainless steel wire
- Stainless steel kitchenware
- Stainless steel utensils
- Other stainless steel articles
SIMS Registration Process
The registration process for SIMS involves the following steps:
Step 1: Create an Account on SIMS Portal
Register on the SIMS portal (https://sims.gov.in) with valid credentials including IEC details, email, and mobile number. Verify your account through OTP authentication.
Step 2: Submit Import Details
Provide complete information about the steel products being imported, including:
- HS code of the product
- Product description and specifications
- Quantity and value of import
- Country of origin
- Port of discharge
- Expected date of arrival
- End-use of the imported steel
Step 3: Pay Registration Fee
Pay the required fee calculated at Re. 1 per thousand of CIF value (minimum Rs. 500, maximum Rs. 1 lakh) through online payment gateway using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Step 4: Obtain Automatic Registration Number (ARN)
Upon successful payment, an Automatic Registration Number (ARN) is generated, which is valid for 75 days from the date of registration. The ARN is required for customs clearance.
Step 5: Customs Clearance
Present the ARN during customs clearance. The Bill of Entry (BOE) number must be updated in the SIMS portal within 15 days of obtaining the ARN for validation by customs authorities.
Important Information for SIMS Registration
- Validity Period: The SIMS registration is valid for 75 days from the date of registration.
- BOE Update: The Bill of Entry (BOE) number must be updated in the SIMS portal within 15 days of obtaining the ARN.
- Multiple Consignments: A single ARN can be used for multiple consignments of the same product from the same country of origin within the validity period.
- Modification: Once submitted, the SIMS application cannot be modified. For any changes, a new application must be submitted.
- Refund Policy: Registration fee is non-refundable even if the import does not take place.
- Technical Support: For technical issues, contact the SIMS helpdesk at sims-steel@gov.in or call the helpline number.
Documents Required for SIMS Registration
Basic Documents
- Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
- GST Registration Certificate
- PAN Card
- Company Registration Certificate
- Letter of Authorization (if applicable)
Import-Specific Documents
- Proforma Invoice/Purchase Order
- Product Specifications
- Mill Test Certificate (if available)
- End-use Certificate/Declaration
- Letter of Credit (if applicable)
Benefits of SIMS
For Government
- Advance information on steel imports
- Better monitoring and regulation
- Data for policy formulation
- Prevention of dumping
- Quality control of imported steel
For Domestic Industry
- Protection from unfair trade practices
- Level playing field
- Transparency in import data
- Reduced impact of low-quality imports
- Support for Make in India initiative
For Importers
- Streamlined import process
- Online registration system
- Transparent fee structure
- Reduced physical documentation
- Integration with customs clearance
Challenges and Compliance Issues
Importers may face several challenges while complying with SIMS requirements:
- Technical Challenges: Navigating the online portal and ensuring accurate data entry.
- Documentation Requirements: Gathering and submitting all necessary documents in the required format.
- Time Constraints: Meeting the 75-day validity period and updating BOE within 15 days.
- Fee Calculation: Ensuring correct calculation of registration fee based on CIF value.
- Product Classification: Correctly identifying HS codes for steel products covered under SIMS.
- Regulatory Updates: Keeping track of changes in SIMS regulations and requirements.
- Multiple Consignments: Managing multiple shipments under a single ARN.
Recent Updates and Amendments
- Extension of SIMS to cover additional steel products through various notifications.
- Integration with Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT) for seamless customs clearance.
- Enhanced user interface and features on the SIMS portal for better user experience.
- Introduction of mobile app for SIMS registration and tracking.
- Revised guidelines for registration and fee payment process.
Our SIMS Services
We provide comprehensive assistance for all your Steel Import Monitoring System requirements, ensuring smooth compliance and hassle-free imports.
SIMS Registration
Complete assistance with the registration process on the SIMS portal, including account creation and documentation.
- Portal registration and account setup
- Data entry and information submission
- Document preparation and verification
- Application review before submission
Documentation Support
Expert assistance with preparing and submitting all required documents for SIMS compliance and customs clearance.
- Document collection and organization
- Format preparation as per requirements
- Digital document conversion and upload
- Document verification and validation
Advisory Services
Professional guidance on SIMS regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices for steel importers.
- Regulatory compliance guidance
- HS code classification assistance
- Import procedure optimization
- Updates on regulatory changes
ARN Processing
Efficient handling of Automatic Registration Number (ARN) applications and processing to ensure timely approvals.
- Application submission and tracking
- Fee calculation and payment processing
- ARN generation and verification
- BOE number updating within timeline
Renewal Services
Timely renewal of SIMS registrations and ARNs to ensure continuous compliance and uninterrupted imports.
- Expiry date monitoring and alerts
- Renewal application preparation
- Document updates and verification
- Seamless transition between registrations
Fee Payment Assistance
Support with calculating and processing registration fees based on CIF value as per SIMS requirements.
- Accurate fee calculation
- Online payment processing
- Payment verification and confirmation
- Receipt documentation and record-keeping
Compliance Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of SIMS compliance status and timely updates to prevent any regulatory issues.
- Registration status tracking
- Timeline monitoring and alerts
- Compliance report generation
- Regulatory requirement updates
End-to-End Import Support
Comprehensive assistance throughout the entire import process, from SIMS registration to customs clearance.
- Pre-shipment documentation
- SIMS registration and ARN generation
- Customs clearance coordination
- Post-import compliance management
Training and Education
Training sessions and educational resources for importers to understand SIMS requirements and procedures.
- SIMS portal navigation training
- Compliance requirement workshops
- Documentation preparation guidance
- Regulatory updates and seminars
Why Choose Kireeti Consultants?
With years of experience in import-export consultancy, we offer reliable and efficient services for all your SIMS requirements.
Expert Team
Our team consists of experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of SIMS regulations and import procedures. We have successfully handled numerous SIMS registrations for clients across various industries.
Timely Service
We understand the importance of time in import processes and ensure prompt service delivery to avoid delays. Our efficient processes ensure that your SIMS registrations are completed well within the required timeframes.
Compliance Assurance
We ensure 100% compliance with all SIMS regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties or import restrictions. Our thorough understanding of the regulatory framework helps you navigate complex compliance requirements with ease.
Personalized Support
We provide customized solutions based on your specific import requirements and business needs. Our client-centric approach ensures that you receive tailored services that address your unique challenges.
Industry Experience
With extensive experience in the steel import sector, we understand the specific challenges and requirements of SIMS compliance. Our industry knowledge helps us provide practical and effective solutions.
End-to-End Solutions
We offer comprehensive services covering all aspects of SIMS compliance, from registration to customs clearance. Our holistic approach ensures a seamless import process without any compliance gaps.
Contact Us for SIMS Assistance
Get in touch with our experts for comprehensive support with Steel Import Monitoring System