Equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, propping or pit-propping

Steel scaffolding, shuttering, propping and pit-propping equipment

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7308 40 00 (Equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, propping or pit-propping) is subject to compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) as mandated by 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 ITC (HS) policy overlay, and importers must obtain an automatic SIMS registration number by paying a fee of ₹500 before the consignment arrives.

What this is

HSN code

7308 40 00

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · Policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS automatic registration number from SIMS
Registration fee receipt from SIMS
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.

Compliance steps

1
Apply for SIMS registration online not earlier than the 60th day before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment, paying a registration fee of ₹500. The automatic registration number granted is valid for 75 days; the erstwhile requirement of a minimum 15-day advance registration has been abolished.
DGFT Notification 28/2023-24 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022 · Policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73
2
Confirm whether the import falls within a SIMS carve-out before applying: re-imports of steel used solely for packaging (not value addition) and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements — whether with or without value addition — are exempt from SIMS registration under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20.
DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022 · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is allowing the 75-day validity window of the SIMS registration to lapse before the consignment arrives — particularly for shipments subject to transit delays or port congestion. A lapsed registration number renders the bill of entry non-compliant, causing detention and demurrage while a fresh registration is obtained; because the application window opens only on the 60th day before expected arrival, any significant voyage delay must be tracked and a new registration filed if the original number expires.

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 7308 40 00 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers scaffolding, shuttering, propping or pit-propping equipment under this tariff line. Import is governed by compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System, administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 73.

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

The automatic SIMS registration number is valid for 75 days, and the 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 DTA-SEZ-DTA transfers of this steel equipment exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Both DTA-to-SEZ exports re-imported into the DTA without value addition and those re-imported with value addition are 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 / Indian Customs CUSDATA.