Of iron

Longitudinally submerged arc welded large-diameter iron pipes

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7305 11 11 (longitudinally submerged arc welded pipes of iron, external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) pursuant to Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) apply additional policy overlays at the bill-of-entry stage.

What this is

HSN code

7305 11 11

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73, ITC (HS); DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS automatic registration number from DGFT
Bill of entry with SIMS number from CBIC
ITC (HS) policy 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, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Compliance steps

1
Apply for SIMS registration through the online portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment. The registration fee is ₹500, and the automatic registration number issued is valid for 75 days from grant.
DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73 · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020
2
Quote the SIMS automatic registration number on the bill of entry before customs out-of-charge. The earlier requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration from the expected arrival date has been abolished; the 60-day outer limit and 75-day validity window remain operative.
DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023
3
Confirm that the consignment is not a re-import of steel for packaging purposes and does not involve a DTA-to-SEZ-to-DTA movement, either with or without value addition — both categories are exempt from SIMS registration. If either exemption applies, document the basis before filing.
DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is mismanaging the SIMS validity window: importers who apply early obtain a registration number that expires 75 days later, and if vessel arrival slips beyond that window, the original registration is void and a fresh application with a new ₹500 fee is required before out-of-charge can be granted. Plan the application date tightly around the confirmed estimated time of arrival, not the purchase-order date, to avoid registration lapse and consequent customs detention.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7305 11 11 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers this tariff line. Import is governed by compulsory registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System pursuant to Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020.

How long does the SIMS automatic registration number remain valid, and when can I apply?

The automatic registration number is valid for 75 days from the date of grant. The application may be submitted no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment, per DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023.

Are re-imports of steel for packaging and SEZ-to-DTA movements exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Re-import of steel goods solely for packaging purposes and DTA-to-SEZ-to-DTA movements (with or without value addition) are both exempt from SIMS registration, as clarified under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022.

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