Pressed steel tanks

Pressed steel tanks, large-capacity iron or steel containers

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 7309 00 30 (Pressed steel tanks) requires compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. An automatic SIMS registration number must be obtained online, with a registration fee of ₹500, and remains valid for 75 days from grant. Where the tanks are calibrated liquid-capacity measures exceeding 20 litres, Legal Metrology Act, 2009 product approval also applies.

What this is

HSN code

7309 00 30

Chapter

73 · Articles of iron or steel

Primary regulator

SIMS · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 (Steel Import Monitoring System, Chapter 73 policy condition 2)

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
Legal Metrology product approval from State government
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration 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. Pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain the automatic SIMS registration number, which is valid for 75 days. The prior minimum-15-day advance registration requirement has been abolished.
DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/23 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022 · Chapter 73 policy condition 2
2
Confirm whether any SIMS exemption applies before filing the bill of entry. Re-imports of steel solely for packaging purposes and DTA-SEZ-DTA movements (with or without value addition) are excluded from the SIMS registration requirement under the DGFT clarification.
DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022
3
Where the pressed steel tanks function as liquid-capacity measures exceeding 20 litres, verify Legal Metrology registration and product approval certificates. Non-compliant measures are prohibited from sale or import under Sections 19, 20 and 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 read with Rules 11 to 15 (Sixth Schedule) of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
Sections 19, 20 and 22 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 · Rules 11–15 (Sixth Schedule), Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is applying for SIMS registration too late — or assuming that a DTA-to-SEZ movement automatically negates the SIMS obligation without confirming the value-addition position. Importers should also check whether the tanks meet the definition of a liquid-capacity measure under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009; a pressed steel tank used as a calibrated storage vessel attracts product-approval requirements that are entirely independent of SIMS, and non-compliance at the bill-of-entry stage can result in detention pending Legal Metrology State authority clearance.

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 7309 00 30 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers pressed steel 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, with a Legal Metrology overlay where the tanks are used as calibrated liquid-capacity measures.

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

The SIMS registration number is valid for 75 days from the date of grant. Applications may be submitted from the 60th day before the expected arrival date; the former minimum-15-day advance requirement has been abolished per DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022.

Are re-imports of pressed steel tanks for packaging purposes also subject to SIMS registration?

No. Re-imports of steel goods solely for packaging purposes are excluded from SIMS, as are DTA-SEZ-DTA movements whether or not value addition has occurred, per the clarification in DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022.

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