Universal plates

Hot-rolled universal plates of iron or non-alloy steel, over 10 mm thick

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · SIMS OVERLAY

HSN 7208 51 20 (hot-rolled universal plates of iron or non-alloy steel exceeding 10 mm in thickness) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order under the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024. Conformity to IS 2062 or IS 1079 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme by virtue of S.O. 3716(E) dated 29 August 2024. Steel Import Monitoring System registration administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

7208 51 20

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 2062 / IS 1079 · effective 29-08-2024

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

SIMSSIMS·Steel Import Monitoring System

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 2062 or IS 1079 (as applicable to the plate grade). Verify the supplier's CM/L number, licensed product scope, grade, thickness range, and manufacturing 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 · Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
2
Ensure every plate bears the ISI mark under the supplier's CM/L number. The consignment must be accompanied by a test certificate bearing the standard mark, issued by the BIS-certified manufacturer, per the Steel and Steel Products QCO 2024.
Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016
3
Register the consignment on the Steel Import Monitoring System portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival. Fee ₹500; SIMS registration number is valid for 75 days from issue. SEZ-to-DTA movements and re-imports for packaging purposes are exempt from SIMS registration.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022
4
If importing seconds or defective HR plates, comply with value restrictions, port restrictions, and the 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. nos. 38864 and 38865 of 2003.
Policy Conditions 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter 72 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy
5
If the consignment is imported without a BIS CM/L licence or certification, apply and seek clarification on the TCQCO portal for each such consignment before customs clearance. Quote the supplier's CM/L number and SIMS registration number on the bill of entry; ensure compliance with CBIC clarification F.No. 401/88/2023-Cus.III dated 09-11-2023.
Ministry of Steel Circular dated 20-10-2023 · CBIC clarification F.No. 401/88/2023-Cus.III dated 09-11-2023

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is failing to distinguish which Indian Standard — IS 2062 or IS 1079 — governs the specific plate grade being imported, and then sourcing from a manufacturer whose CM/L is valid only for the other standard. Customs and BIS verification is standard-specific and grade-specific; a CM/L against IS 2062 does not cover a product for which IS 1079 is the applicable standard, and the mismatch triggers consignment detention regardless of the SIMS registration status. Confirm with the supplier in writing, before the purchase order, which IS governs the grade and that the CM/L scope matches both the standard and the thickness range.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7208 51 20 require BIS certification?

Yes. Hot-rolled universal plates exceeding 10 mm in thickness must conform to IS 2062 or IS 1079 under the ISI Mark Scheme, mandatory with effect from the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order, 2024 vide S.O. 3716(E). Import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence covering the relevant grade and thickness range.

Is SIMS registration required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. Steel Import Monitoring System registration is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and is independent of the BIS QCO obligation. Fee ₹500, validity 75 days, apply no earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival date.

Are any consignments under HSN 7208 51 20 exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Re-imports for packaging purposes and SEZ-to-DTA movements (with or without value addition) are exempt from SIMS registration per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20. The BIS QCO obligation under IS 2062 or IS 1079 is not waived by any SIMS exemption.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all plate grades and thicknesses from the same manufacturer?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific by Indian Standard, grade, thickness range, and manufacturing facility; plates outside the licensed scope or from an unlicensed plant are not covered, and Customs detains the consignment on any scope mismatch.

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