Other

Electrolytically zinc-coated flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel strips

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 11587 · SIMS OVERLAY

HSN 7212 20 99 (electrolytically zinc-coated flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel, width less than 600 mm) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. Conformity to the applicable Indian Standards — IS 11587, IS 15103, IS 5478, and IS 17404:2020 — is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 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

7212 20 99

Chapter

72 · Iron and steel

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 11587 · 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
Identify which Indian Standard governs the specific product variant being imported: IS 11587:1986 for structural weather-resistant steel, IS 15103:2002 for fire-resistant steel, IS 5478:1969 for thermostat metal sheet and strip, or IS 17404:2020 for electrogalvanized hot-rolled and cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips. Source only from a BIS CM/L-licensed manufacturer against the correct standard.
Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024
2
Verify the foreign manufacturer's BIS CM/L licence number on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order. Confirm the licensed product scope, manufacturing facility, and standard number match the specific variant and size range of the consignment.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024
3
Ensure each consignment is accompanied by a test certificate bearing the ISI standard mark issued by the BIS-certified manufacturer, and that the product itself bears the standard mark under the CM/L licence. Sub-standard or defective product must be disposed of as scrap under Section 17(1)(b) of the BIS Act, 2016.
Schedule-I of the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 · S.O. 3716(E) dated 29-08-2024 · Section 17 of the BIS Act, 2016
4
Register the consignment on the Steel Import Monitoring System portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival date, paying the ₹500 registration fee; the automatic registration number is valid for 75 days. Re-imports for packaging only and SEZ-to-DTA movements without value addition 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
5
If importing without a BIS CM/L licence or certification, apply for clarification on the TCQCO portal for each consignment before import. Ensure compliance with CBIC Instructions 16/2025-Customs dated 18-06-2025 and 23/2025-Customs dated 15-07-2025 regarding mandatory IS mapping on the SIMS portal for steel and steel products.
Ministry of Steel Circular dated 20-10-2023 · CBIC Circular F.No.401/88/2023-Cus.III dated 09-11-2023 · CBIC Instruction 16/2025-Customs dated 18-06-2025 · CBIC Instruction 23/2025-Customs dated 15-07-2025

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is applying a single CM/L licence to the entire HSN residual category without identifying which Indian Standard — IS 11587:1986, IS 15103:2002, IS 5478:1969, or IS 17404:2020 — governs the specific product variant in the consignment. Each standard is product-type-specific, and a CM/L licence against IS 17404:2020 for electrogalvanized carbon steel does not authorise import of thermostat metal strip governed by IS 5478:1969. A scope mismatch between the licensed standard and the actual product triggers detention regardless of the SIMS registration status.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 7212 20 99 require BIS certification?

Yes. This tariff line is covered by the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 under S.O. 3716(E). Import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence against the applicable Indian Standard for the specific product variant.

Is SIMS registration required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. SIMS registration is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 and is independent of the BIS QCO obligation. The fee is ₹500, validity is 75 days, and registration may be applied for no earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival date.

Which Indian Standard applies to electrogalvanized carbon steel sheets and strips under this HSN?

IS 17404:2020 governs electrogalvanized hot-rolled and cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips. IS 11587:1986 applies to structural weather-resistant steel, IS 15103:2002 to fire-resistant steel, and IS 5478:1969 to thermostat metal sheet and strip — each requiring a separate CM/L licence.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all product variants falling under HSN 7212 20 99?

No. The CM/L licence is standard-specific and facility-specific; a licence against one Indian Standard does not authorise manufacture or import of product variants governed by a different standard, and customs detains consignments where the licensed standard does not match the actual product.

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