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4.5/5Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Registration: Eligibility, Online Process, Fees & Documents
The Government of India introduced an online monitoring system with the name SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System). The major purpose of SIMS is to track and regulate the importation of steel products in India. Meanwhile, the Minister of Steel is responsible for administering SIMS in India. Here, all manufacturers, trades, stockists, and EPC contractors who import steel are required to register their steel import information in advance before goods are shipped to India.
SIMS registration is not a license but a monitoring requirement. Registration allows the authority to keep an eye on and manage the Indian steel supply chain. This system was introduced to bring transparency to the Indian domestic steel market and balance it for the long term. Approval for steel import can be obtained by navigating the online registration process on the DGFT SIMS portal.
Here, the import details need to be submitted, along with the registration number. With a flat rate of ₹500 per application. IEC, import invoice, product details, country of origin, and port of import information are the major documents required during the certification process. This complete registration allows the government to track steel imports in real-time. Businesses enjoy smooth import operations without delays or rejection challenges.
SIMS Registration in India (an Overview)
SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) registration is a legally compulsory online compliance requirement. As mentioned, it has been introduced by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. Registration means submitting advanced details of steel imports by importers through the official SIMS portal. This requirement is mandatory; the shipment is dispatched to India. In general, SIMS registration is not a type of import license or restriction but a comprehensive monitoring mechanism.
Once the SIMS registration process is complete, the importer gets a Unique Registration Number (URN), which is required to show at customs for steel goods clearance. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is further involved in managing the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), a compulsory online portal.
Products Covered under SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System)
Iron and steel-related products require mandatory SIMS registration in India before their import. These covered products are determined by their 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) code under the ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule-1. As of March 2026, the following specific chapters and categories fall under the compulsory registration mandate:
Chapters Covered under ITC (HS) Code
Listed below are the new HS codes for steel 2026:
Chapter 72 — Iron and Steel
Chapter 73 — Articles of Iron and Steel
Chapter 86 — Railway or Tramway Track Materials
Listed Product Categories Under SIMS (2026 Updates)
Category |
Products (Example) |
|---|---|
| Flat Steel Products |
|
| Long Steel Products |
|
| Semi-Finished Steel |
|
| Pipes and Tubes |
|
| Stainless Steel Products |
|
| Railway / Track Materials |
|
2026 Compliance Note: Under the SIMS 2.0 framework, registration is mandatory for over 542 tariff lines at the 8-digit level. However, a significant exemption remains for air-freighted goods, which do not require SIMS registration as they are typically low-volume or emergency shipments.
Who Needs SIMS Registration in India?
All importers who are dealing with steel and iron products must apply for SIMS registration before importing steel goods. It is required to register by:
1. Importers of Notified Steel Products
SIMS registration is mandatory for those importers who deal with iron and steel products covered under Chapter 72 (Iron & Steel), Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel), and Chapter 86 (selected items—railway-related steel products).
2. Types of Importers
The importers who are associated with proprietorship firms, partnership firms/LLPs, private limited & public limited companies, traders and merchants, and manufacturers who import raw materials are all eligible for SIMS registration in India.
3. Import for Commercial Import
Those companies that require steel products for commercial import for the purpose of trading, manufacturing use, or project execution must register on the SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) portal.
Note: SIMS registration is a compliance requirement and must be completed before goods shipment in India.
4. IEC holder Importers
To register on the SIMS online portal, having a valid IEC (Import-Export Code) is mandatory. The IEC code is required for foreign transactions in India.
Why is SIMS Registration in India Mandatory?
The iron and steel items that are covered under chapters 72, 73, and 86 of the Indian Trade Classification (ITC) must be registered on the SIMS portal. Registration on the portal is a legal requirement to regulate, monitor, and manage the iron & steel importation into India. It is a government of India mandate to keep supply chains transparent and trackable. Here is why SIMS registration is legally mandatory:
Monitor of Steel Imports in Real Time
After the registration, the Government of India gets access to track imported steel value, quantity, and country of origin. Further, it invariably manages import data for policy decisions. In general, registration helps to avoid market imbalance and safeguards domestic manufacturers.
Protects the Indian Steel Industry
Unregistered imported steel can damage the domestic market with a flood of cheap or substandard steel items. It significantly impacts Indian steel producers' work and MSMEs. SIMS registration alerts the authority to immediately take action against dumping and low-quality steel items
To Ensure Quality & Compliance
SIMS registration allows the government to monitor compliance with BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) requirements. They easily identify the imports from restricted nations, minimizes overall import of low-quality steel in India.
Improves Trade Transparency
SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) manages the centralized digital record of steel imports across India. It significantly ensures transparency in international trade activities, including making better coordination between DGFT, the customs authority, and the Ministry of Steel in India.
Helps in Policy Planning & Trade Negotiations
The accurate data of steel imports inthe Indian steel industry helps the governing authority to accurately make import-export policies. In addition, it plans steel capacity, pricing, and supply chain in the steel industry.
Compliance Under Foreign Trade Policy
SIMS registration is mandatory under DGFT regulations, including before importing specified steel products, and is checked during customs clearance. The unregistered importers may face shipment delays, including penalties or rejection of the "Bill of Entry".
Required Documents for SIMS Registration in India
During SIMS registration, manufacturers, sellers, or distributors who import steel are required to provide the various documents. These major documents include:
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): This code is issued by the DGFT and is used during the import of goods.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Required to sign the documents digitally.
- Proof of Business: A copy of the company registration document or GST certificate must be submitted.
- HSN Code: The 8-digit HSN Code of the steel product must be provided.
- Product Details: To provide an overview of the product, you must provide information about the HS Code, a description, the quantity, the value, and the country of origin, as well as the supplier's information.
- Invoice/Bill of Lading: You are to submit either a Proforma invoice or a Commercial Invoice along with the bill of lading. This information is required by customs for clearance.
- Manufacturer Details: Must include manufacturer, name, address, contact, and website for the actual producer.
- Product Specifications: Technical details include dimensions, grade, and properties.
- NOC: Unless an exemption is applied, providing NOC (No Objection Certificate) is compulsory. It is issued by the Ministry of Steel.
SIMS Registration Process Online (Step-by-Step)
The SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System) online registration involves:
Step 1: Navigate Online Portal
Visit either the DGFT online website or the SIMS portal. Register using your existing credentials, or create a new account using your Import-Export Code (IEC).
Step 2: Navigate to SIMS
Go to the sections Services > Import Management System and select Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS).
Step 3: Start Application Process
Begin by selecting Start Fresh Application. Enter accurate and up-to-date details such as IEC number, product details, CIF value, quantity, country of origin, port of discharge, and end-use of the steel.
Step 4: Documentation
Upload all required supporting documents, including a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), invoice copy, and Bill of Lading.
Step 5: Pay Fee
Pay the prescribed registration fee using available payment modes such as net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Step 6: Application Submission
Review all entered details and uploaded documents carefully. Sign in again using your digital token and submit the application.
Step 7: Get ARN (Automatic Registration Number)
After successful submission and payment, an Automatic Registration Number (ARN) will be generated.
Step 8: Final Step
Use the generated ARN for customs clearance and update the Bill of Entry accordingly.
Understanding the Role of ARN (Automatic Registration Number)
ARN (Automatic Registration Number) is a mandatory identifier issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for importers. The code is required to bring the specific steel products to India. Furthermore, it represents the importing company compliant with governing laws, which helps for clearing steel consignments at the customer's border. Importers must mention the 15-digit ARN and its validity date on the Bill of Entry (BOE). It serves as proof that the advanced information has been submitted by the importer to the governing authority regarding steel items. This information includes HS codes, quantity, CIF value, country of origin, and port of entry. Due to the generation of an ARN for each shipment, it became easier for authorities to track steel-specific consignments.
Summary Table: ARN in SIMS (Steel Import Monitoring System)
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| System | Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) |
| Validity | The ARN is valid for 75 Days from the date of registration |
| Application Fee | The cost is ₹1 per thousand of CIF (Min ₹500, Max ₹1 Lakh) |
| Key Usage | Required for Bill of Entry (BOE) filing. ARN can be used in various consignments at the same location of the product. |
| Modification | Once the ARN is generated on the DGFT portal, the application cannot be edited. |
| Coverage | It covers 284+ Steel Tariff Lines (Chapters 72, 73, 86) |
Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Registration 2.0 – 2026 Guide
The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) is a mandatory digital framework for importing iron and steel products into India. Following the launch of SIMS 2.0, the process is now fully integrated with the DGFT portal, requiring high-level compliance for all international trade stakeholders.
Transition to SIMS 2.0: What Importers Need to Know (2026)
As of July 25, 2024, the Ministry of Steel officially migrated all operations to the SIMS 2.0 portal. As per the Ministry of Steel notifications March 2026, all importers must use the unified DGFT portal interface for applications. Unlike the older version, SIMS 2.0 features a simplified 20-field entry system (reduced from 56) and requires mandatory Aadhaar-based OTP or Digital Signature (DSC) authentication linked to your Importer-Exporter Code (IEC).
Technical Filing Workflow (SIMS 2.0 Portal)
Here is the current 2026 step-by-step filing process:
- 1. Portal Access: Log in to the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) using registered credentials.
- 2. Service Selection: Navigate to Services → Import Management System → Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS).
- 3. Data Entry: Provide details including Country of Origin, Port of Exportation, Item Description, and the specific 8-digit HS Code.
- 4. Submission Timeline: Applications must be filed between the 60th day and the 5th day before the expected arrival of the consignment.
- 5.Payment & Generation: Pay the flat ₹500 fee online. Upon successful payment, an Automatic Registration Number (URN) is generated immediately.
- 6. Validity: The issued registration number remains valid for 75 days.
Common Filing Mistakes & Penalties
- Outdated HS Codes: Using 4-digit or 6-digit codes instead of the mandatory 8-digit level results in immediate rejection.
- Post-Arrival Filing: Attempting to register after the vessel has arrived leads to heavy customs penalties and consignment detention.
- Failing to Link IEC: In the SIMS 2.0 era, your IEC must be digitally linked to the portal; otherwise, the "Apply" button remains inactive.
The SARAL SIMS Facility: A Game-Changer for MSMEs
To support the "Ease of Doing Business," the Ministry of Steel introduced SARAL SIMS. This is a simplified registration path specifically for small importers and export-oriented units.
- Annual Registration: Instead of per-consignment filing, get one SARAL SIMS Number valid for the entire financial year.
- Eligibility: Available for consignments ≤ 10 MT with an annual cumulative cap of 1000 MT (starting April 2026).
- Export Benefit: No quantity limits for imports under Advance Authorization, SEZ, or EOU routes.
Products Covered Under SIMS Registration
Compulsory registration is required for all HS Codes falling under the following three chapters of the ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule-I:
Chapter |
Description of Goods |
|---|---|
| Chapter 72 |
|
| Chapter 73 |
|
| Chapter 86 |
|
SIMS Registration Fees (Government Charges)
The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) registration fee is a flat ₹500 per application. This fee covers the automatic registration number required for importing steel products under Chapters 72, 73, and 86 of the ITC (HS) code into India.
- SARAL SIMS Option (New for 2026): Small MSME importers (consignments ≤ 10MT) can opt for a one-time annual registration instead of per-consignment filings, subject to an annual cap of 1000 MT.
Under the revised Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and subsequent DGFT notifications valid through 2026, this uniform charge has replaced the previous tiered fee structure based on CIF value. Importers must submit advance information through the online portal not earlier than the 60th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected arrival of the import consignment. The automatically generated registration number remains valid for 75 days, facilitating seamless customs clearance for international steel trade.
What is the SIMS ARN Validity & Timeline
The Ministry of Steel implemented a new notification effective June 20, 2025, which introduced critical updates to the SIMS 2.0 Automatic Registration Number (ARN) validity and the mandatory filing timelines for importers. These regulations remain the primary compliance standard as of March 2026.
ARN Validity
In India, the Automatic Registration Number (ARN) is valid for a fixed period of 75 days from its date of approval. During this 75-day window, a single ARN can be utilized for multiple consignments, provided they pertain to the same product and description. It is important to note that SIMS registration is not renewable; once the 75-day validity expires, importers must submit a fresh application for any subsequent imports.
Registration Timeline
As of the latest February 2026 notification, the filing window and fee structure have been standardized to prevent customs delays.
- Registration Fee: A flat ₹500 per application (the previous tiered 1 Lakh cap is now obsolete).
- Standard Timeline: Applications must be filed not earlier than the 60th day and not later than the 3rd day before the expected date of arrival.
- Proximity Exceptions: Nepal, Bhutan, & Sri Lanka: Registration can be done up to 2 days before arrival.
- Steel Scrap (HS 7204): A universal 2-day deadline applies for all countries to fast-track raw material imports.
Why Choose LegalRaasta for SIMS Registration?
Apply Now for SIMS registration with LegalRaasta. No more compliance and documentation burden on you, as our service focuses on the client approach and their requirements, with expertise in corporate laws. We are experienced in:
- End-to-end DGFT filing support
- HS code & compliance guidance
- Fee calculation + fast ARN assistance
- Query handling & document support
- Talk to an Expert— +91-87500 48585
Clients
FAQs
SIMS 2.0 has reduced the data fields from 56 to 20, offers instant URN generation, and is directly linked to your Aadhaar/DSC via the DGFT login.
For complete registration, follow the steps:
- Make an account on the DGFT website.
- Mention the details of the IEC (Import-Export Code).
- Register DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
- Activate a business bank account.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload supported documents.
- Review the summary and sign the application by using the DSC token.
- Pay the fee online.
- An Automatic Registration Number (ARN) will be generated, which is valid for 75 days.
- Valid IEC (Import-Export Code)
- GST registration certificate
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Invoice and Bill of Lading copies
- HSN Code
- Product, supplier, and shipment details
- Business proof and authorization letter
- BIS license (for specific steel products)
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