Galvanized iron barrels and drums

Galvanized iron barrels and drums, large-capacity steel containers

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7309 00 20 (Galvanized iron barrels and drums) requires 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, with importers obtaining an automatic registration number valid for 75 days. Legal Metrology compliance under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 applies as an additional overlay for containers used as liquid capacity measures exceeding 20 litres.

What this is

HSN code

7309 00 20

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · DGFT Policy Condition 2, Chapter 73 (Steel Import Monitoring System)

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
Register the import on the SIMS online portal and obtain an automatic SIMS registration number before the consignment arrives. The application may be filed no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival; the registration number remains valid for 75 days and requires a registration fee of ₹500.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/23 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73
2
If the galvanized iron barrels or drums are used as liquid capacity measures of more than 20 litres, verify and present Legal Metrology registration and product approval certificates at the bill of entry. Non-compliance with verification and approval requirements exposes the consignment to detention pending State-government clearance.
Sections 19, 20 and 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 · Rules 11 to 15 (Sixth Schedule) of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 as amended

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that SIMS registration is a post-arrival formality. The registration number must be obtained in advance and is valid for only 75 days — a consignment arriving after the 75-day window has expired has no valid SIMS registration, and the bill of entry cannot be processed until a fresh registration is obtained. Note also that re-import of steel for packaging purposes and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements are explicitly carved out of SIMS requirements under DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022; misclassifying a routine commercial import as one of these carve-outs invites DGFT scrutiny.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7309 00 20 require BIS certification?

No, galvanized iron barrels and drums of this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 73, with a Legal Metrology overlay where the containers function as capacity measures.

How far in advance must SIMS registration be obtained, and for how long does the registration number remain valid?

Registration may be applied for up to 60 days before the expected date of arrival; the 15-day minimum advance requirement has been abolished per DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022. The automatic registration number granted remains valid for 75 days from the date of grant.

Are re-imports of these steel containers for packaging purposes exempt from SIMS registration?

Yes. Per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, re-import of steel goods for packaging purposes is exempt from SIMS as the goods are not primarily meant for value addition; DTA-SEZ-DTA movements, whether with or without value addition, are also exempt from SIMS registration.

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