In November 2025, a significant transformation occurred in the steel import sector with the launch of SARAL SIMS by the Ministry of Steel (MoS). This initiative aims to simplify the registration process under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), offering a streamlined approach primarily for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and small importers, along with export-related imports.
The SARAL SIMS was officially introduced on November 21, 2025, with a clear objective to ease the registration procedure for steel importers under SIMS. This initiative particularly focuses on small imports, allowing consignments up to 10 Metric Tonnes (MT) with an annual cap of 1,000 MT.
Significant changes were made to the existing SIMS framework to support the new process. The number of mandatory data fields required for registration was reduced from 56 to 20, and the need for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MoS was eliminated, simplifying the process further.
The SARAL SIMS is applicable to steel and iron products classified under Chapters 72, 73, and 86 of the Indian Trade Classification, ITC (HS) 2022. Importers can access the new system through a dedicated web portal, where they simply declare their total intended import quantity for the year. Based on this, they receive a SARAL SIMS number usable for multiple consignments throughout the year.
The system accommodates small imports, capped at 500 MT for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), with a full annual cap of 1,000 MT starting from FY27. For imports linked to Advanced Authorization, Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and Export Oriented Units (EOUs), no annual limits apply, providing greater operational flexibility.
All importers registered under SARAL SIMS must submit annual returns detailing their actual imports by April 30 of the following financial year. If imports exceed the annual cap, importers must switch to regular SIMS registration for the remainder of the year, as SARAL SIMS cannot be reused.
Beyond launching SARAL SIMS, the Ministry of Steel has relaxed certain aspects of the regular SIMS framework. This includes a reduction in mandatory data fields and the removal of NOC requirements for Non-Quality Control Order (QCO) steel grades.
The Ministry of Steel is headed by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, representing Mandya, Karnataka, and Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivisa Varma from Narsapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
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