NOC for Ministry of Steel

The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) is administered by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, through the DGFT portal, to monitor imports of steel and steel products into the country. Every importer of a notified steel item must register the intended import on the SIMS portal at least 15 days but not more than 60 days before the expected date of arrival, and the SIMS registration number must be quoted on the Bill of Entry filed with customs. Missing the SIMS registration is one of the fastest routes to consignment detention at an Indian port.

The Exim Roof runs a SIMS advisory practice that handles registration, HS-code mapping, quantity-and-value updates, extension of registration, response to Ministry-of-Steel queries, and — where the imported item requires a separate No Objection Certificate — application and follow-up for the NOC. Whether you import stainless-steel coils, alloy-steel bars, high-carbon wire or specialised alloy tubes, we make sure the SIMS box is ticked before your goods arrive.

Regulatory framework

SIMS was introduced through DGFT Notification No. 17/2015-2020 dated 5 September 2019 and has been progressively expanded. The scheme is administered under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy. The Ministry of Steel uses SIMS data to monitor import trends and, where warranted, recommend anti-dumping duty, safeguard duty or countervailing duty actions.

Who needs SIMS registration?

Every importer of steel items notified under the SIMS list must register. The current list runs to more than 300 HS codes covering stainless steel, alloy steel, non-alloy steel, silicon-electrical steel, tinplate, wire, pipes, tubes and many other categories. Some non-steel items with steel components also fall within scope. We map every SKU against the SIMS list at the start of the engagement.

The SIMS registration process

Stage one is HS-code confirmation against the SIMS list and the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. Stage two is portal registration on the DGFT SIMS module with product details, quantity, value, country of origin, port of arrival and expected date of arrival. Stage three is fee payment (₹500 per registration + 0.05% of CIF value, subject to a cap). Stage four is Ministry-of-Steel scrutiny and grant of the SIMS registration number, valid for 75 days. Stage five is quoting the SIMS number on the Bill of Entry at customs.

SIMS registration numbers can be extended if the actual date of arrival is delayed and can be amended for changes in quantity or value within specified limits.

When a separate NOC is required

For certain specialised steel items — particularly defence-grade alloys and some high-strength products — the Ministry of Steel may require a separate No Objection Certificate in addition to the SIMS registration. The NOC is granted after review of the end-use, technical specification and origin of the material. Our team drives NOC applications through the Ministry's Iron and Steel Division.

How The Exim Roof helps

HS-code mapping against the SIMS list.
SIMS registration on the DGFT portal with correct quantity and value.
Fee payment and follow-up till registration number is granted.
Extension, amendment and re-registration where shipments are delayed.
Ministry-of-Steel NOC where a separate approval is required.
Response to departmental queries and audits.

NOC for Ministry of Steel Process — Step by Step

Step 1: Free Consultation

A no-obligation 20-minute call to understand your product, project, market and the exact approvals you need.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Our specialists prepare, review and vet every document so your application clears the portal in the first submission.

Step 3: Portal Filing & Fee Payment

We handle the online application, government fee payment and coordinate with test labs / auditors where required.

Step 4: Department Liaison

Continuous follow-up with the concerned authority, response to queries and any additional information sought.

Step 5: Certificate / Approval Grant

Once approved, the certificate is delivered to you along with a compliance calendar for renewals and returns.

Documents Required for NOC for Ministry of Steel

PAN of the applicant / company

GST registration certificate

Certificate of Incorporation / partnership deed

Product details, technical write-up or project report

Authorised signatory ID proof (Aadhaar / passport)

Address proof of manufacturing unit or office

IEC and GST

Purchase order / commercial invoice and HS-code proposal

Bill of lading or airway bill (once available)

Country-of-origin certificate

Mill test certificate for the steel product

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire process take?

Most approvals are granted in 30–90 days once documentation is in order. Timelines vary by department, product category and testing requirements — we share a milestone-based plan on day one.

Do you handle end-to-end filing?

Yes. Our team drafts the application, uploads it on the government portal, pays the fee (against invoice), coordinates with labs / auditors and follows up till the certificate is granted.

Will you help with renewals and post-approval compliance?

Absolutely. We share a compliance calendar with due dates for renewals, annual returns and periodic filings. You will never miss a deadline.

Do I need to register every consignment separately on SIMS?

Yes. Each import consignment requires its own SIMS registration, keyed to the expected date of arrival and quantity. Bulk registrations are not allowed.

How long is a SIMS registration valid?

Currently 75 days from the date of grant. If the shipment is delayed, an extension can be applied for before expiry.