For transmission line

Steel transmission line towers and lattice masts

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7308 20 11 (towers and lattice masts for transmission lines) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) as a mandatory customs overlay, per Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers the SIMS regime; the importer must obtain an automatic registration number before the consignment arrives at the Indian port.

What this is

HSN code

7308 20 11

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
Registration fee receipt from DGFT
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration

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 online Steel Import Monitoring System portal, submitting advance information on the consignment and paying the registration fee of ₹500. The application may be filed no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival; the automatic registration number issued is valid for 75 days.
DGFT Notification 28/2023-24 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · Policy Condition No. 2 of Chapter 73
2
Present the SIMS automatic registration number at the bill-of-entry stage. Note that the earlier requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration window has been abolished; registration at any point within the 60-day window before expected arrival is now compliant.
DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the SIMS carve-outs for re-import and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements eliminate the registration obligation in the standard import scenario. The carve-outs under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022 apply only to goods re-imported for packaging purposes and to steel cycled between DTA and SEZ without value addition; a fresh import of transmission-line towers from an overseas supplier falls squarely within the SIMS mandate, and billing the consignment without a valid registration number invites detention and demurrage at the port of entry.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7308 20 11 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers steel transmission-line towers and lattice masts 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 long is the SIMS automatic registration number valid, and when can an importer apply?

The automatic registration number is valid for 75 days; application may be submitted no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment, per DGFT Notification 28/2023-24 dated 28-08-2023.

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

Yes, those two specific scenarios are exempt: re-imports intended solely for packaging purposes and steel transferred from DTA to SEZ and back — whether with or without value addition — do not require SIMS registration, per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022.

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