Blanks for tubes and pipes

Seamless steel tube and pipe blanks

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7304 19 20 (Blanks for tubes and pipes) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) as mandated by policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73 of the ITC (HS) and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. Importers must obtain an automatic SIMS registration number by paying a fee of ₹500 before the consignment arrives, with the registration valid for 75 days from grant.

What this is

HSN code

7304 19 20

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2, Chapter 73 (DGFT Notification 33/2015-20)

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from SIMS
Bill of entry declaration from CBIC
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

SIMSSIMS·Steel Import Monitoring System

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

Compliance steps

1
Register on the SIMS online portal and obtain an automatic registration number before the consignment's expected date of arrival. Apply not earlier than 60 days before arrival; the registration attracts a fee of ₹500 and remains valid for 75 days from the date of grant.
DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73
2
Quote the SIMS automatic registration number on the bill of entry at the port of import. Note that the earlier minimum-15-day advance-registration requirement has been abolished; the application window now opens at 60 days before expected arrival.
DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022

A word of counsel

The most common error is assuming that SIMS registration is not required for steel re-imported from a Special Economic Zone or for steel returned for packaging. DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022 carves out only two specific scenarios — re-import solely for packaging purposes and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements — and these exemptions are narrow; any DTA import of steel blanks that does not fall squarely within those two categories remains subject to compulsory SIMS registration, and an unregistered consignment is detained at customs pending rectification.

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 7304 19 20 require BIS certification?

No, seamless steel tube and pipe blanks are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System, as mandated by DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 and ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73.

How long is a SIMS registration number valid, and when can the application be submitted?

The automatic SIMS registration number is valid for 75 days from the date of grant; applications may be submitted up to 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment, per DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023.

Are re-imports of steel from SEZ units or steel returned for packaging exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes, under the two narrow carve-outs in DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022: re-import solely for packaging (not value addition) and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements (with or without value addition) are exempt; all other imports under this tariff line require SIMS registration.

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