- SIMS NOC is issued only if the steel grade intended for import is not covered under the existing BIS Standard.
- SIMS NOC is issued only if the steel grade intended for import is not available with any domestic manufacturer.
- SIMS NOC is issued only if the steel grade intended for import cannot be replaced by any other grade, which is being manufactured domestically or is covered in BIS standard.
Are you planning to import any kind of Steel or Steel-product in to India?
Then, SIMS Registration for Import Customs Clearance is required to be obtained.
The process requires one to login to DGFT. For the first time, one needs to register with SIMS before making an Application.
Here is a glimpse of the first screen that opens up when one logs-in to SIMS System.
Before making an application, one is required to agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
Terms and Conditions for Importers for SIMS' NOC:
- NOC: No Objection certificate is issued for the intended import of steel with a total quantum to be imported within the next 6 months time frame. On obtaining NOC, importer is required to enter details of individual consignments within the total quantum for which NOC was given. The details of individual consignment against the NOC will be communicated to all concerned through the system. Ledger for consignment imported and balance against the NOC will be maintained by the system.
- Consignment Liability: The Ministry of Steel shall not be responsible for any consignment that arrived before the official issuance of the NOC.
- Accurate Documentation: The importer must submit accurate documentation for the actual consignment, identical to the documents submitted for the NOC application.
- Penalty for Misrepresentation: In case of any discrepancy between the documents submitted for the NOC and the actual consignment or misrepresentation of facts or giving wrong information, the importer will be barred (for issuing NOC) for next one year.
Details to be furnished for making SIMS Application are based on Mill Test Certificate / Material Test Certificate.
- On registration of a SIMS Application, a unique registration number starting with ‘MOSSIMS’ will be displayed on the portal in downloadable pdf format
- SIMS also has the facility to view previously registered applications. In addition, incomplete applications which have not been submitted for registration on the portal are also available in the SIMS for review and further action.
- Any change in applicant’s mobile/email id will need to be first amended/updated in DGFT IEC database through the online IEC modification system. Thereafter, applicant is required to update the mobile/email id on SIMS portal by clicking on ‘Update Profile’.
- Importers who fail to register their information/data on notified steel items in advance or are found to furnish incorrect data in the Online SIMS module will attract punitive action including action under FTDR Act, 1992.
- Online Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) 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.
- Any issues on account of difficulties faced in filing online registrations need to be ticketed at the link contact@MOS for resolution. Helpdesk at 011-23213945, 011-23214201 may also be approached for support.
List of FAQs that could be relevant for a SIMS portal 2.0:
1. What is SIMS Portal?
SIMS stands for Steel Importing Monitoring System. SIMS portal is dedicated portal to provide advance information about steel imports.
2. Who can register on the SIMS Portal? Who is required to fill out the application?
Actual User, importers, importing agents, Trader/brokers and Advance authorization user (for 100% Export purpose) can register on the SIMS portal. Any business importing steel products covered under the registration program is required to create an application for concerned imports.
3. What are the prerequisites for applying for SIMS ?
*Importers needs to register on DGFT Website by login on https://www.dgft.gov.in/
*Link the existing IEC (For more details please see IEC section FAQ’s)
*Register the DSC under My Dashboards >View and Register Digital Signatures Token
Then they can apply for SIMS under Services > Import Management System > Steel Import Monitoring System (Click on Explore) > Apply for New Authorization
4. Where can we apply for SIMS or where we can get the link to apply for SIMS?
SIMS under Services >Import Management System > Steel Import Monitoring System (Click on Explore) >Apply for New Authorization
5. I have submitted the application but not received the registration/ STL Number.
Please follow the below path to get the license/registration number for SIMS
*My Dashboard> Submitted Applications
*Enter Type of Scheme (Select in drop-down: Import Management System) and Type of Sub Scheme (Apply for SIMS)
*Click on Search
*Click on Action (Under the Results)>View Approved Licenses>View Letter
6. Do I need to file an application for each shipment?
Yes, an application is required for each customs entry. You may include multiple products on one application as well.
7. What is the application fee?
Initially, application fee of INR 500/- on aggregate CIF value of imports will need to be paid through electronic mode in the online system for each import registration.
8. What products are covered?
There are over 542 steel tariff lines (8-digit HS Code) that require registration for imports into India. A detailed list of these HS codes is available in the dropdown of the “HS Code and Description” field in the Items Details section of the application.
9. At what point in the importation process should the application to be filled?
The application must be filled out prior to submitting the Bill of entry with customs. It should be filled out between 2 hrs. to 60 days before the expected arrival of imports into India.
10. Can I amend or cancel my registration application after submission on the SIMS portal?
No, only applications that are not yet submitted can be modified by save as a draft. In case the application has been submitted, cancellations cannot be made.
11. How does the SIMS portal handle confidential business information?
Yes, the data submitted on the portal, shall only be accessed by the government.
12. Where can I find guidance or user manuals for using the SIMS portal?
A video link on the home page of portal has been provided for guidance.
13. Where can I find more information about steel import regulations and policies enforced through the SIMS portal?
Required information can be seen on the Ministry of Steel and DGFT website.
14. How did the user/applicant get the User ID and Password?
First time Importer will click on “Register as importer” as a new user to register himself. User need to create a password during the registration. After Registration, the importer will login from Login screen and user ID will appear on the home screen after successful application login.
15. How do the users/applicants can change password and/or retrieve password in case of forgotten password?
User/applicants can change the password by clicking change the password option near to Log out option. From the Home screen, the Importer can change the password by entering the current and a new password.
16. What we can do if, we are not been able to proceed as District and State Details are blank and non-editable?
The details of Branch (After Selecting the Branch from Drop Down) is getting populated from IEC. If the details were not reflecting, request to please apply for modification in IEC.
17. What to do if IS Code of the import material is not mentioned in QCO issued by Ministry of Steel available in drop-down?
If IS Code of the imported material is not mentioned in QCO Issued by Ministry of Steel available in drop-down, you may please select the option of “N/A or none of the above” and add the details in the sub-category products and proceed.
18. Where we will get the notification of registration/application number under SIMS?
After successful submission a notification will automatically send to the registered email ID and Mobile Number registered under IEC mentioning the registration / application number for SIMS.
19. How many manufacturers and sellers we can add under one application for SIMS? Do I need to file application for each shipment?
You can add only One Seller and One Manufacturer only under one application for SIMS. Yes, an application is required for each customs entry. You may include multiple products on one application as well.
20. How exactly is the ‘Port of exportation’ defined?
Port of exportation is the port in the exporting country from where the goods were dispatched for India.
21. What if I’m unsure about the ‘HS Code’ for the product being imported?
HS Codes are necessary information that must be filled in for importing products. Request you to connect with technical experts to identify the HS codes for your concerned products before imports.
22. What if I’m unsure about the ‘Technical detail’ for the product being imported?
Technical detail is important information that is requested. It is necessary to fill in relevant information in this field. Please connect with the manufacturer of your product for more details on this.
23. Can one application cover multiple products?
Yes, one application can cover multiple products. SIMS has the provision of adding multiple items for each registration provided the importer, exporter, manufacturer, country of origin and port of exportation is the same.
24. How long will it take to create the application number for my registration?
The SIMS number is created immediately after completing the payment and clicking on the “Final Submit” button.
25. What do I do if I don’t receive my application number after the registration process?
Firstly, please ensure that the application is still not in your drafts. This happens if you forget to click the “Final submits” button post payment of the fee. If your query hasn’t still been resolved, please contact the Ministry of Steel help-desk for support.
26. What if there is no specific IS Code that matches to the product I am importing?
For IS Codes that are covered under the QCO, it is important that you fill in the relevant information. In case there is no specific IS code that matches your exact specification, please select “None” and fill in technical information about the product being imported in the “Technical Details” field. In such cases the applicant need to take NOC from Ministry of Steel to get the clarification. Also, if in case any material being imported without BIS certification the applicants need to apply for NOC from Ministry of Steel.
27. What if I do not have information about Indian Steel players manufacturing the product I am importing?
If you are unaware about whether this product is being manufactured in India, please reach out to the industry and try to collect the information before imports.
Steps to Download/Retrieve SIMS Registration Details
Determine the Correct Portal
SIMS 2.0 Portal (for new registrations):
As of July 2024, SIMS 2.0 has replaced the older DGFT-hosted SIMS 1.0. New applications must use the dedicated SIMS portal: https://sims.steel.gov.in.DGFT Portal (for older applications):
If you applied via the older SIMS 1.0 (before July 25, 2024), you can still view/download your registration from the DGFT website (www.dgft.gov.in) until further notice.
Log In to the Portal
Use your DGFT credentials (username/password) or IEC (Import Export Code) to log in. Ensure your IEC is active and linked to your account.
Navigate to SIMS Section
On the DGFT portal: Go to Services > Import Management System > Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS).
On SIMS 2.0: Directly access the registration section on the homepage.
Retrieve Your Registration
After submitting your application and paying the fee (₹500–₹1 lakh based on CIF value 10), a Unique Registration Number (URN) is generated instantly. This URN is displayed on-screen and sent via email/SMS.
To download the acknowledgment:
Check your email for the automated receipt containing the URN.
On the portal, navigate to View Applications or Download Receipt sections to save a copy.
Validity and Customs Clearance
The URN is valid for 75 days from the date of issuance. Ensure it is mentioned in the Bill of Entry for Customs clearance