Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) to come into effect from 1st October, 2022; Online registration facility to be available from 15th July 2022

Paper products like currency paper, bank bond and Cheque paper, security printing paper, etc. have been excluded from mandatory registration

Introduction of PIMS is intended to curb imports under “Others” category

The move also aimed at promoting ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiative under this category

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has introduced Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) by amending the import policy of major paper products from ‘Free’ to ‘Free subject to compulsory registration under PIMS’. PIMS shall come into effect from 1st October, 2022. However, the online facility of registration will be available from 15th July 2022.

The PIMS shall be applicable on import by a Domestic Territory Area unit on a wide range of paper products covering 201 tariff lines, such as newsprint, handmade paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, Litho and offset paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, cartons, labels, etc. However, paper products like currency paper, bank bond and Cheque paper, security printing paper, etc. have been excluded from mandatory registration.

As per PIMS, an importer will be required to obtain an automatic registration number through online system by paying a registration fee of Rs. 500/- only, not earlier than 75th day and not later than 5th day before the expected date of arrival of import consignment. The automatic registration Number shall remain valid for a period of 75 days and multiple consignments Bill of Entry (BoEs) shall be allowed in same registration number within the validity period of registration, for the permitted quantity.

Further, registration under PIMS shall also be required at the point of import by a Unit in Special Economic Zone/Free Trading Warehousing Zone or at the time of import by an Export Oriented Unit of the items covered under PIMS. However, registration under PIMS shall not be required by the Domestic Territory Area (DTA) Unit at the time of Customs Clearance from the SEZ/FTWZ/EOU to DTA if no processing has taken place of the item of paper that has already been registered under PIMS at the time of entry into a SEZ/FTWZ/EOU.

Based on the demand of domestic paper industry, the introduction of PIMS is intended to curb imports under “Others” category Tariff Lines, dumping of paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing, entry of prohibited goods by mis-declaration, re-routing goods through other countries in lieu of trade agreements.  This may also promote ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiative under this category.

However, if processing has taken place in the SEZ/FTWZ/EOU with change in HS Code at 8-Digit level, then the importer in DTA will require to register under PIMS, if the processed item falls under any of the 201 tariff lines covered under PIMS.

Paper import monitoring requires compulsory online registration before arrival, with time limited validity and multiple consignment allowance. DGFT has changed import policy to require compulsory registration under PIMS for a wide range of paper products; importers must obtain an automatic online registration number within a pre arrival window by paying a fee, the registration is valid for a limited period and allows multiple Bills of Entry for permitted quantities. Security printing papers are excluded. Registration rules also apply to SEZ/FTWZ/EOU imports with carve outs where no processing occurs, but re registration is required if processing changes the HS code and the output falls under PIMS.