New facility to ease compliance for MSMEs, export-linked imports; regular SIMS process also simplified
New Delhi | The Ministry of Steel has introduced a new simplified registration facility—‘SARAL SIMS’—to make the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) more accessible for MSMEs, small importers, and export-linked importers. The system will ease compulsory registration requirements for small consignments of iron and steel items covered under Chapters 72, 73 and 86 of ITC (HS), 2022, and for imports carried out through Advance Authorization, SEZ, and EOU routes.
Importers can now generate a SARAL SIMS registration at the dedicated portal. Under the new system, they only need to declare the total intended quantity of imports for the year. A single SARAL SIMS number will then allow multiple consignments to be imported without the need for separate approvals.
Two Categories of SARAL SIMS
The facility is available for:
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Small imports of up to 10 MT per consignment, with an annual cap of 1000 MT (for FY 2025–26, the cap is 500 MT until April 2026).
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Export-linked imports under Advance Authorization, SEZ or EOU routes, with no quantity limit.
Importers must file an annual return detailing actual imports made under SARAL SIMS by April 30 of the following financial year. Imports against SARAL SIMS registrations can be made until the same date. Those exceeding the annual threshold for small imports must shift to regular SIMS for the remainder of the financial year.
Regular SIMS Also Simplified
To improve ease of doing business, the Ministry has also reduced the number of data fields in the regular SIMS process from 56 to 20. Additionally, the requirement for clarification or NOC from the Ministry of Steel for non-QCO covered grades has been withdrawn, allowing importers to directly generate a SIMS number from the portal.
All changes, including the launch of SARAL SIMS, will come into effect from November 21, 2025.
