Powered by electric accumulators

Rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators (battery locomotives)

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 8601 20 00 (Rail locomotive powered by electric accumulators) is subject to compulsory registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 86. An automatic SIMS registration number, obtained by paying a fee of ₹500, must be secured before the consignment arrives, and remains valid for 75 days.

What this is

HSN code

8601 20 00

Chapter

86 · Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings

Primary regulator

SIMS · ITC (HS) Policy Condition 2, Chapter 86; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20

Customs documentation

SIMS registration number from DGFT
ITC (HS) policy declaration to CBIC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

SIMSSIMS·Steel Import Monitoring System

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Compliance steps

1
Register the import online under the Steel Import Monitoring System not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival. Pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain the automatic SIMS registration number; quote this number at the bill of entry. The registration number is valid for 75 days from grant.
DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 86
2
Confirm the locomotive is not a dual-mode vehicle capable of travel on both road and rail. Such dual-mode vehicles are classifiable under Chapter 87, not Chapter 86, per CBIC Circular 14/2012-Cus dated 11-06-2012; misclassification attracts re-assessment and applicable Chapter 87 duty and regulatory requirements.
CBIC Circular 14/2012-Cus dated 11-06-2012

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is applying for the SIMS registration too late. Prior to DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022, a minimum 15-day advance registration window was mandatory; that requirement has been abolished, but the 60-day outer window and 75-day validity remain live constraints. A consignment arriving after the registration number has expired — or before a replacement number has been obtained — cannot be given out-of-charge until a fresh registration is completed, attracting demurrage and ground rent at the port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8601 20 00 require BIS certification?

No, rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System under DGFT Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 86, supported by DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020.

Is SIMS registration required if the steel-bearing locomotive is being re-imported from a Special Economic Zone without value addition?

No. Per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022, re-import of steel goods from an SEZ into the Domestic Tariff Area — whether with or without value addition — does not attract SIMS registration requirements.

What happens if the SIMS registration number expires before the consignment arrives at the Indian port?

An expired SIMS number is treated as no registration, and the bill of entry cannot obtain out-of-charge clearance; the importer must obtain a fresh automatic registration number, incurring additional demurrage and ground rent for the period of detention.

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