Material for jointing or fixing rails

Steel rail jointing and fixing material (fish plates, rail clips, sole plates)

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7302 90 10 (Material for jointing or fixing rails) 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. Importers must obtain an automatic registration number online by paying ₹500 and the number remains valid for 75 days from grant.

What this is

HSN code

7302 90 10

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73, ITC (HS) — Steel Import Monitoring System

Customs documentation

SIMS automatic registration number from DGFT
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from exporter
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration from DGFT

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 DGFT online portal no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival, pay the registration fee of ₹500, and obtain the automatic registration number. The number is valid for 75 days; the former requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration has been abolished.
Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73 · 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
2
If the consignment comprises used rails or cut rails of any length under ITC (HS) code 7302, ensure a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) is obtained confirming permissible background radiation levels, and that the purchase contract stipulates the absence of radioactive contamination. Import of such goods is free subject to production of these documents.
ITC (HS) Condition 1 to Chapter 73

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is applying for SIMS registration too late — the 75-day validity window means a registration obtained well before the expected arrival date may expire before the vessel berths, and a consignment arriving against an expired registration number is treated as non-compliant at the bill of entry. Note also that re-import of steel items for packaging purposes and intra-DTA/SEZ transfers without value addition are carved out of SIMS, but importers must retain documentary evidence of the qualifying purpose; absent such evidence, SIMS registration is presumed mandatory.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7302 90 10 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this product family. Import of material for jointing or fixing rails 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.

How early can an importer apply for SIMS registration, and how long is the number valid?

An importer may apply not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment; the automatic registration number granted is valid for 75 days per DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023.

Are re-imports of steel jointing material for packaging purposes exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, re-imports of steel goods for packaging purposes are not covered under SIMS, as they are not primarily meant for value addition; similarly, DTA-to-SEZ transfers and returns without value addition do not require SIMS registration.

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