Asymmetric rails with end forging

Asymmetric steel rails with end forging for railway track

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7302 10 12 (Asymmetric rails with end forging) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. An automatic SIMS registration number, valid for 75 days, must be obtained before the consignment arrives, with a registration fee of ₹500 paid through the SIMS online portal.

What this is

HSN code

7302 10 12

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · Policy Condition 2, Chapter 73; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
Import declaration from DGFT
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from exporter

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 the import consignment on the SIMS online portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival and pay the ₹500 registration fee to obtain the automatic SIMS registration number. The registration number is valid for 75 days from the date of grant and must be presented at the bill of entry.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/23 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73
2
If the consignment comprises used rails, including cut rails of all lengths, ensure a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from the exporting country indicating permissible background radiation levels and a contract stipulating absence of radioactive contamination are attached to the bill of entry. This is a mandatory condition under ITC (HS) Condition 1 to Chapter 73.
ITC (HS) Condition 1 to Chapter 73

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is failing to apply for SIMS registration within the permissible advance window: registration cannot be obtained earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival date, and the automatic registration number expires after 75 days — a consignment arriving after the registration number lapses must obtain a fresh registration, causing detention and demurrage. Note also that re-imports of steel for packaging purposes and DTA-to-SEZ movements (whether or not value addition occurs) are explicitly outside SIMS scope under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, so misclassifying those flows as SIMS-exempt without proper documentation invites enforcement.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7302 10 12 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers asymmetric steel rails under this tariff line. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20.

Is there a minimum advance period for applying for SIMS registration?

The former 15-day minimum advance-registration requirement has been abolished per DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022; importers may now apply up to 60 days before the expected date of arrival, with the registration number remaining valid for 75 days.

Are re-imports of steel rails for packaging purposes required to obtain SIMS registration?

No. Per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, re-imports of steel goods for packaging purposes are outside SIMS scope, as they are not primarily intended for value addition; similarly, DTA-to-SEZ movements re-imported into the DTA with or without value addition are also exempt.

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