Government Launches SARAL SIMS to Simplify Steel Import Registration for MSMEs and Exporters

The government has introduced SARAL SIMS, a simplified registration facility under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), to ease compulsory registration for small steel consignments and for imports made under Advance Authorisation, SEZ and EOU routes. The facility is designed to benefit MSMEs and small importers dealing with steel items under Chapters 72, 73 and 86 of ITC (HS), 2022.

Under SARAL SIMS, importers need to declare only the total intended import quantity for the financial year. A single SARAL SIMS number will be issued, which can be used for multiple consignments without the need for consignment-wise SIMS registration.

Importers can use SARAL SIMS for small consignments of up to 10 MT, with an annual limit of 1000 MT, or for imports under Advance Authorisation, SEZ and EOU routes with no quantity cap. For FY 2025–26, the small-consignment threshold has been fixed at 500 MT until April 2026, after which the 1000 MT annual cap will apply.

Importers must file an annual return by April 30 each year, declaring actual imports made against SARAL SIMS registrations. Imports against a SARAL SIMS number issued in a financial year can continue until April 30 of the following year. If an importer exceeds the 1000 MT limit in a year, further imports will require regular SIMS registration, and SARAL SIMS will no longer be available for the remainder of that financial year