Blocks, lumps and similar forms

Iron and non-alloy steel primary forms, blocks and lumps

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7206 90 12 (Blocks, lumps and similar forms) is subject to compulsory registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) as mandated by Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers the SIMS registration regime, which requires advance online filing and payment of a ₹500 registration fee to obtain an automatic registration number valid for 75 days.

What this is

HSN code

7206 90 12

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · Policy Condition No. 5, Chapter 72 ITC (HS); DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS automatic registration number from DGFT
Online advance registration from SIMS portal
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration to CBIC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

SIMSSIMS·Steel Import Monitoring System

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Register on the SIMS online portal under Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72 and pay the ₹500 registration fee to obtain an automatic registration number. The application may be filed no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival; the 15-day advance minimum requirement has been abolished.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023
2
Ensure the automatic SIMS registration number is current at the time the consignment arrives — each registration number is valid for 75 days from grant. Present the registration number at the bill-of-entry stage; expired registration numbers will require fresh registration before out-of-charge is permitted.
DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that SIMS registration is a one-time formality rather than a per-consignment, validity-bound exercise. The automatic registration number is valid for only 75 days; importers who apply too early — or who allow a registration to lapse between purchase-order placement and vessel arrival — face detention of the consignment pending fresh registration. Additionally, re-import of steel goods for packaging purposes and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements without value addition are carved out of SIMS, but the importer must positively document the carve-out basis at the bill of entry to avoid enforcement.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7206 90 12 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers iron and non-alloy steel primary forms under this tariff line. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System under Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20, with the SIMS automatic registration number as the operative compliance credential.

How far in advance can the SIMS registration application be filed, and how long is the registration valid?

The application may be filed up to 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment, per DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023; the granted automatic registration number remains valid for 75 days.

Are re-imports and DTA-SEZ-DTA steel movements exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes, per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022: re-import of steel for packaging purposes and both value-added and non-value-added DTA-SEZ-DTA movements are excluded from SIMS registration requirements, but the importer must document the applicable carve-out basis at the bill of entry.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: SIMS / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.