Galvanized iron tanks

Galvanized iron tanks and similar steel containers

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7309 00 10 (Galvanized iron tanks) is subject to compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73 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, and Legal Metrology product-approval requirements apply where the tanks are used as liquid capacity measures exceeding 20 litres.

What this is

HSN code

7309 00 10

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20; Policy Condition 2, Chapter 73

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
Legal Metrology approval from State government
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 DGFT online portal not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment. Submit advance import information, pay the registration fee of ₹500, and obtain the automatic registration number, which is valid for 75 days from the date of grant.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/23 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73
2
Verify whether the galvanized iron tanks are used as liquid capacity measures of more than 20 litres; if so, obtain Legal Metrology registration and product-approval certificates before filing the bill of entry. Compliance with Sections 19, 20 and 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Rules 11 to 15 (Sixth Schedule) of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 is required.
Sections 19, 20 and 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 · Rules 11 to 15, Sixth Schedule, Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the SIMS carve-outs for re-imports and SEZ transactions eliminate the registration obligation entirely. The carve-out for re-import covers only goods returning solely for packaging purposes with no value addition; any re-import involving processing triggers SIMS in full. Similarly, the SEZ exemption applies only where the movement falls squarely within DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022 — importers who cannot document the no-value-addition condition face detention and registration-fee recovery at the bill of entry stage.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7309 00 10 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers galvanized iron tanks under this tariff line. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 and Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73, with a Legal Metrology overlay where the tanks function as liquid capacity measures.

How long is the SIMS registration number valid, and can it be obtained on the day of arrival?

The automatic SIMS registration number is valid for 75 days from grant; it can be applied for up to 60 days before the expected arrival date, and the earlier minimum 15-day advance requirement has been abolished per DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022.

Are galvanized iron tanks re-imported from a Special Economic Zone exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes, provided the goods are re-imported into the Domestic Tariff Area from an SEZ without value addition, per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022; where value addition has occurred, the SIMS registration requirement applies in full.

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