Sheets
Hot-rolled flat steel sheets less than 3 mm thick
HSN 7208 39 30 (hot-rolled flat steel sheets less than 3 mm thick) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 1079 or IS 513, as applicable, is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme by virtue of the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 notified vide S.O. 3716(E). Steel Import Monitoring System registration administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.
Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
- 1Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 1079 (for hot-rolled strip and related sheet forms) or IS 513 (for cold-rolled and related plate/sheet forms), as matched to the consignment specification. Verify the CM/L number, licensed product scope, and facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Schedule-I thereof
- 2Ensure every sheet in the consignment bears the ISI mark under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Each consignment must also be accompanied by a test certificate bearing the standard mark, issued by the BIS-certified manufacturer.Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024
- 3Register the consignment on the Steel Import Monitoring System portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival. Fee ₹500; automatic registration number valid for 75 days. The minimum 15-day advance registration requirement has been abolished.DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022; Policy Condition 5 of Chapter 72
- 4If importing seconds or defective HR coil/sheets, comply with the applicable value restriction, port restriction, and Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate requirement. Price restrictions on prime steel items apply to the extent specified in the Madras High Court order dated 21-01-2004 in W.P. 38864 and 38865 of 2003.Policy Conditions 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter 72 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy
- 5For any consignment imported without a BIS licence or certification, apply for and obtain a clarification on the TCQCO portal before clearance, as mandated by the Ministry of Steel circular dated 20-10-2023. Quote the SIMS registration number and BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry; customs verifies each against the respective portal in real time.Ministry of Steel Circular dated 20-10-2023 vide F.No. S-20011/14/2021-Tech · CBIC clarification vide F.No. 401/88/2023-Cus.III dated 09-11-2023
The single most common error on this tariff line is assuming that a supplier's CM/L licence against IS 1079 automatically covers sheets that technically fall within IS 513 scope — or vice versa — because both standards map to the same 8-digit HSN. The BIS CM/L is standard-specific and scope-specific; a consignment where the product specification aligns to IS 513 but the supplier's licence cites only IS 1079 will trigger detention at port regardless of valid SIMS registration. Confirm in writing, before the purchase order, which IS number the supplier's CM/L covers and that the licensed specification range matches the consignment's thickness, grade, and surface condition.