Understanding the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) by DGFT

In a move to enhance transparency and regulation of coal imports in India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) introduced the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS). This system mandates advance reporting of coal imports and the acquisition of a unique registration number prior to customs clearance, thereby streamlining trade monitoring and policy enforcement.

What is CIMS?

The Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) is an online platform established by the DGFT to monitor and regulate coal imports into India. It applies to specific categories of coal classified under designated ITC HS codes. Importers must register their imports through the CIMS portal and obtain a Unique Registration Number (URN) to proceed with customs clearance.

Applicability

CIMS is applicable to coal imports under the following ITC HS codes:

• 27011100 – Anthracite Coal
• 27011200 – Bituminous Coal
• 27011910 – Coking Coal
• 27011920 – Steam Coal
• 27011990 – Other Coal

Registration Process

To comply with CIMS, importers must follow these steps:

1. Access the CIMS Portal: Visit the official website at https://www.imports.gov.in/CIMS/public/home.
2. Submit Required Information: Provide advance details about the shipment, including the expected date of arrival, type of coal, quantity, CIF value, and other import particulars.
3. Pay Registration Fee: The fee is ₹1 per ₹1,000 of the CIF value, subject to a minimum of ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1,00,000. As per revised guidelines as mentioned in the Notification No.04/2025-26 dated 15/04/2025, the CIMS shall require importers to submit advance information in an online system for import of items and obtain an Automatic Registration Number by paying registration fee as per Appendix 2k.
4. Obtain URN: Once the information is submitted and the fee is paid, a Unique Registration Number is generated.
5. Include URN in Customs Documentation: The URN and its expiry date must be declared in the Bill of Entry to complete the customs clearance process.

Registration Timeline and Validity

As per the latest DGFT guidelines:

• Registration must be made not earlier than 60 days and no later than 5 days prior to the expected arrival of the consignment at the port of entry.
• The URN is valid for 75 days from the date of issuance.

Relevant Notifications

Several notifications and policy updates support the implementation of CIMS:

• Notification No. 49/2015-2020 (Dated 22nd December 2020): Introduced the CIMS for coal imports.
• Notification No. 41/2015-2020 (Dated 7th November 2022): Amended the policy condition under ITC HS 2022 to revise the registration period and other provisions.

These notifications lay the foundation for mandatory online registration and integration with customs processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who needs to register under CIMS?

All importers bringing coal into India under the specified ITC HS codes must register through the CIMS portal.

2. What happens if registration is not done?

Failure to obtain a registration number or providing false information may attract punitive action under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

3. Is the process completely online?

Yes, the entire registration process is conducted online via the official CIMS portal.

4. What documents are required?

Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC).

Conclusion

The Coal Import Monitoring System represents a significant step toward the digital transformation of India’s trade governance. By mandating prior registration and documentation, the DGFT aims to enhance import data transparency and facilitate more informed policy-making in the coal sector.