Of iron

Large-diameter longitudinally welded iron pipes and tubes

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7305 12 21 (longitudinally welded tubes and pipes of iron, external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73. Registration yields an automatic registration number valid for 75 days, and the importer must pay a registration fee of ₹500 before the consignment arrives.

What this is

HSN code

7305 12 21

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · DGFT Policy Condition No. 2, Chapter 73; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
Bill of entry declaration to 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
Apply for SIMS registration through the DGFT online portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment, paying the registration fee of ₹500. The automatic registration number issued is valid for 75 days and must be quoted at the bill-of-entry stage.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition No. 2, Chapter 73
2
Note that the earlier requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration from the expected date of arrival has been abolished. However, registration must be obtained before the consignment arrives; post-arrival registration is not permitted and renders the consignment non-compliant at customs out-of-charge.
DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022
3
Confirm whether any SIMS exemption applies: re-imports of steel solely for packaging purposes and DTA-to-SEZ transfers (with or without value addition) do not require SIMS registration. Consignments claimed under these carve-outs must be supported by documentation establishing the re-import or SEZ transaction basis.
DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is allowing the 75-day validity window of the SIMS registration number to expire before the vessel arrives at the Indian port. A lapsed registration number has no curative remedy at the bill of entry — the importer must obtain a fresh registration, and the consignment is detained pending the new number, attracting demurrage and ground rent. Apply as close to the 60-day opening as possible when shipment transit times are long.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7305 12 21 require BIS certification?

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

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

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

Are re-imports of iron pipes for packaging purposes exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, re-imports of steel goods solely for packaging purposes — and DTA-SEZ-DTA transfers whether with or without value addition — are not required to obtain SIMS registration.

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