Blocks, lumps and similar forms

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

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7206 90 92 (Blocks, lumps and similar forms) is subject to compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. Importers must obtain an automatic SIMS registration number by paying a fee of ₹500, with the registration remaining valid for 75 days from grant.

What this is

HSN code

7206 90 92

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · DGFT Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
Import policy declaration from DGFT
Bill of entry with SIMS reference

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
Apply for SIMS registration through the online Steel Import Monitoring System not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment. Submit advance import information and pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain the automatic registration number, which is valid for 75 days.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/23 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72
2
Quote the SIMS automatic registration number on the bill of entry at the time of import. Note that the earlier requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration window before the expected date of arrival has been abolished — registration may be obtained at any point within the 60-day window.
DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is assuming the 75-day validity clock starts from the date of application rather than the date of grant — consignments arriving after the registration number has lapsed are treated as unregistered imports, attracting detention and mandatory re-registration before out-of-charge. Separately, re-imports of steel for packaging purposes and DTA-to-SEZ-to-DTA transfers (whether with or without value addition) are carved out of the SIMS requirement entirely under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022; misclassifying a genuine SIMS-liable import as a re-import to avoid registration exposes the importer to ITC (HS) policy enforcement.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7206 90 92 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers iron and non-alloy steel primary forms in this tariff line. Import is governed by the compulsory SIMS registration regime administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition No. 5 of Chapter 72 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20.

How far in advance must the SIMS registration be obtained, and how long does it remain valid?

Registration may be applied for up to 60 days before the expected date of arrival; the automatic registration number granted is valid for 75 days. The earlier mandatory minimum of 15 days' advance notice has been abolished per DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022.

Are re-imports of steel for packaging and SEZ-to-DTA transfers exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Re-imports of steel solely for packaging purposes, and transfers of steel from the Domestic Tariff Area to an SEZ and back — whether with or without value addition — are excluded from SIMS requirements per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022.

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