Why in news?
The Ministry of Steel has launched a new facility called SARAL SIMS to simplify registration under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS). The facility came into effect on 21 November 2025.
Background
The government introduced the Steel Import Monitoring System in 2020 to track imports of iron and steel products and provide timely data to the domestic industry. Importers were required to obtain a SIMS registration number for every consignment, which created paperwork especially for small shipments. To ease compliance and promote legitimate trade, the Ministry developed the SARAL SIMS platform.
Key features
- Single declaration: Importers intending to bring in small consignments need to make a one‑time declaration of their annual import requirement. They receive a SARAL SIMS number that can be used for multiple consignments throughout the financial year.
- Scope: The simplified process covers products under chapters 72, 73 and 86 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) 2022. The system applies both to small imports for domestic use and to imports linked to exports.
- Small imports: Consignments up to 10 tonnes per shipment are eligible. For 2025‑26, the annual ceiling is 500 tonnes per importer. From 2026‑27 the limit will rise to 1,000 tonnes.
- Imports for export: Goods imported under Advance Authorisation, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or Export‑Oriented Units (EOUs) can avail of SARAL SIMS without quantity restrictions, provided they are used for manufacture and re‑export.
- Annual return: Importers must file a return by 30 April each year, detailing actual imports made against their SARAL SIMS number. If the quantity exceeds the declared limit, subsequent consignments must be registered through the regular SIMS portal.
- Streamlined forms: The ministry has reduced the number of data fields required for registration from 56 to around 20. The earlier requirement to obtain a no‑objection certificate for non‑standard grades has been removed.
Benefits
- Importers save time and paperwork, particularly small firms that make frequent purchases. A single number suffices instead of multiple applications.
- By ensuring that data on steel inflows is still collected, SARAL SIMS helps policymakers monitor market trends and plan domestic production.
- Simplifying the process may discourage illegal imports and encourage more importers to use the formal system, leading to greater transparency.
Source: Press Information Bureau
