In a major step toward enhancing ease of doing business for small manufacturers and export-linked industries, the Ministry of Steel has unveiled ‘SARAL SIMS’, a simplified registration mechanism under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS). The initiative aims to significantly streamline import procedures, particularly benefiting MSMEs, startups, and small importers handling limited or export-dependent steel consignments.
Covers a Wide Range of Steel Products
SARAL SIMS will apply to steel and iron items falling under Chapters 72, 73, and 86 of the ITC (HS), 2022 classification system. It is designed to ease the procedural burden associated with importing small quantities and export-oriented shipments through frameworks like Advance Authorization, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs).
Single Annual Registration for Multiple Imports
One of the most transformative features of SARAL SIMS is its single registration for the entire year.
Through the dedicated portal — sims.steel.gov.in/SARAL — importers only need to declare their total intended annual import quantity. Based on this, they will receive a SARAL SIMS number, which can be used for multiple consignments throughout the financial year, eliminating the earlier requirement to generate a new SIMS number for every shipment.
Who Can Benefit: Two Key Categories
1. SARAL SIMS for Small Imports
- For consignments up to 10 MT
- Annual cap of 1000 MT
- A temporary limit of 500 MT applies until April 2026 for FY 2025–26
This system aims to support MSMEs, small manufacturers, and emerging industries that typically import steel in small quantities.
2. SARAL SIMS for Export Purposes
- Applies to imports under Advance Authorization, SEZ, and EOU schemes
- No annual quantity cap, offering greater operational flexibility
- Especially beneficial for export-linked manufacturers requiring predictable access to specialized steel inputs
Mandatory Annual Return for Transparency
Importers registered under SARAL SIMS must submit an Annual Return by 30 April each year, providing details of actual imports. The SARAL SIMS registration remains valid until this deadline in the following financial year. In cases where imports exceed the designated annual limit, businesses must shift to the regular SIMS system for the remainder of the year.
Regular SIMS Process Also Simplified
Alongside SARAL SIMS, the Ministry of Steel has also introduced major simplifications to the existing SIMS framework. The number of mandatory data fields in the registration form has been reduced from 56 to just 20, substantially cutting down compliance time and paperwork.
Additionally, the need for obtaining a Ministry of Steel clarification or No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Non-QCO (Quality Control Order) steel grades has been removed — a decision expected to speed up imports for industries relying on specialized or non-standard steel grades.
Effective from 21 November 2025
All reforms, including SARAL SIMS and the restructured regular SIMS process, will be implemented from 21 November 2025. The Ministry anticipates that these steps will significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make steel imports more efficient, predictable, and business-friendly.
A Boost for MSMEs and Export-Driven Growth
The introduction of SARAL SIMS is poised to enhance agility for startups, MSMEs, and exporters by offering a smoother, time-saving, and transparent import experience. With reduced documentation requirements and the convenience of a single annual registration, the move is seen as a substantial boost for India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem.
