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HomeHSNChapter 86HSN 8606 91 20

Broad guage eight wheeler covered wagons of pay-load not exceeding 60 tonnes

Broad gauge eight-wheeler covered wagons, payload up to 60 tonnes

SIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 8606 91 20 (Broad gauge eight wheeler covered wagons of pay-load not exceeding 60 tonnes) is subject to compulsory advance registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) as a Policy Condition of Chapter 86, administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020. The registration number, obtained by paying a fee of ₹500, is valid for 75 days and must be secured before consignment arrival. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) classification controls also apply, particularly where dual-mode road-rail vehicles are concerned.

What this is
HSN code
8606 91 20
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 of Chapter 86; DGFT Notification 33/2015-20
Customs documentation
  • SIMS automatic registration number from DGFT
  • Registration fee payment receipt from SIMS
  • ITC (HS) policy compliance 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. 1
    Apply for SIMS registration online not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment, paying a registration fee of ₹500. The automatic registration number granted under SIMS remains valid for 75 days; quote it at the bill of entry.
    DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020 · DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023 · Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 86
  2. 2
    Confirm that the consignment is not within the SEZ-to-DTA or re-import-for-packaging carve-outs before applying for SIMS registration. Steel re-imported for packaging only, and steel exported from DTA to SEZ and imported back into DTA (with or without value addition), are exempt from SIMS registration.
    DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022
  3. 3
    Verify that the wagon classifies under Chapter 86 and not Chapter 87 at the bill of entry. Dual-mode vehicles capable of travelling on both road and rail are classifiable under Chapter 87 per CBIC Circular 14/2012-Cus dated 11-06-2012 and would not attract Chapter 86 SIMS requirements.
    CBIC Circular 14/2012-Cus dated 11-06-2012
A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is applying for SIMS registration too late — specifically after the minimum-advance-notice requirement was abolished. While DGFT Notification 19/2015-20 dated 07-07-2022 removed the mandatory 15-day-advance floor, the 75-day validity window means a registration obtained before the 60-day ceiling that then lapses before arrival leaves the consignment without a valid SIMS number at the bill of entry, triggering detention and demurrage. Align registration timing with the confirmed vessel arrival date to stay within the validity window.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 8606 91 20 require BIS certification?
No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers broad gauge railway wagons under this tariff line. Import is governed by the Steel Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition 2 of Chapter 86 and DGFT Notification 33/2015-20 dated 28-09-2020.
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 from grant; the application may be filed no earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment, per DGFT Notification 28/2023 dated 28-08-2023.
Are there any exemptions from SIMS registration for re-imported or SEZ-origin wagons containing steel?
Yes. Steel re-imported solely for packaging and steel moved between DTA and SEZ (in either direction, with or without value addition) are exempt from SIMS registration per DGFT Policy Circular 38/2015-20 dated 19-01-2022.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: SIMS / DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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