Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS)

Complete assistance for registration and compliance with the Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System

What is Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS)?

The Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) is a government initiative designed to monitor and regulate the import of non-ferrous metals into India. It requires importers to register and provide advance information about their metal imports, helping the government to maintain quality standards, ensure supply chain security, and protect domestic industry from unfair trade practices.

As per the Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System, importers are required to submit advance information in an online system for import of specified non-ferrous metals and obtain an automatic registration number by paying registration fee of Re. 1 per thousand, subject to minimum of Rs. 500/- and maximum of Rs. 1 lakh on CIF value.

Background and Introduction of NFMIMS

The Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) was introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, to enhance transparency in non-ferrous metal imports and strengthen the monitoring mechanism. The system was implemented to provide advance information about metal imports to the government and other stakeholders to facilitate effective trade measures and support the domestic metal industry.

The NFMIMS portal was launched to make registration mandatory for all importers of non-ferrous metals covered under specific HS codes. The system aims to:

  • Monitor and regulate the import of non-ferrous metals
  • Ensure quality standards for imported metals
  • Protect domestic industry from unfair trade practices
  • Collect accurate data on metal imports for policy formulation
  • Support India's self-reliance initiatives in the metal sector
  • Prevent dumping of substandard metals in the Indian market
  • Promote transparency in metal import transactions

Legal Framework of NFMIMS

The Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System is governed by the following legal provisions:

  • Notification No. 33/2015-2020 dated October 28, 2020, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
  • Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
  • Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 (as extended)
  • Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020 (as extended)
  • Various amendments and notifications by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Integration with customs regulations for import clearance

Key Features of NFMIMS

  • Mandatory registration for non-ferrous metal importers
  • Online system for advance information submission
  • Automatic Registration Number (ARN) generation
  • Registration fee based on CIF value
  • Validity of registration for 75 days
  • Covers non-ferrous metals under specific HS codes
  • Integration with Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE)
  • Requirement of Bill of Entry (BOE) number for customs clearance
  • Traceability features for supply chain security
  • Quality verification mechanisms for imported metals

Products Covered Under NFMIMS

NFMIMS covers non-ferrous metals classified under the following HS codes:

Chapter Product Category HS Codes
74 Copper and articles thereof 7401 to 7412
75 Nickel and articles thereof 7501 to 7508
76 Aluminum and articles thereof 7601 to 7616
78 Lead and articles thereof 7801 to 7806
79 Zinc and articles thereof 7901 to 7907
80 Tin and articles thereof 8001 to 8007

The products covered under NFMIMS include but are not limited to:

Copper Products
  • Copper mattes and cement copper
  • Unrefined copper
  • Refined copper and copper alloys
  • Copper waste and scrap
  • Master alloys of copper
  • Copper powders and flakes
  • Copper bars, rods, and profiles
  • Copper wire
  • Copper plates, sheets, and strip
  • Copper foil
  • Copper tubes and pipes
Aluminum Products
  • Unwrought aluminum
  • Aluminum waste and scrap
  • Aluminum powders and flakes
  • Aluminum bars, rods, and profiles
  • Aluminum wire
  • Aluminum plates, sheets, and strip
  • Aluminum foil
  • Aluminum tubes and pipes
  • Aluminum tube or pipe fittings
  • Aluminum structures and parts
  • Aluminum reservoirs, tanks, and vats
Nickel Products
  • Nickel mattes and sinters
  • Unwrought nickel
  • Nickel waste and scrap
  • Nickel powders and flakes
  • Nickel bars, rods, profiles, and wire
  • Nickel plates, sheets, strip, and foil
  • Nickel tubes, pipes, and fittings
  • Other articles of nickel
Other Non-Ferrous Metals
  • Lead and articles thereof
  • Zinc and articles thereof
  • Tin and articles thereof
  • Other base metals and articles
  • Metal alloys and composites
  • Specialized metal products

NFMIMS Registration Process

The registration process for NFMIMS involves the following steps:

Step 1: Create an Account on NFMIMS Portal

Register on the NFMIMS portal with valid credentials including IEC details, email, and mobile number. Verify your account through OTP authentication.

Step 2: Submit Import Details

Provide complete information about the non-ferrous metals being imported, including:

  • HS code of the product
  • Product description and specifications
  • Quantity and value of import
  • Country of origin
  • Manufacturer details
  • Port of discharge
  • Expected date of arrival
  • End-use of the imported chips
  • Technical specifications and quality certificates

Step 3 : Pay Registration Fee

Pay the required fee calculated at Re. 1 per thousand of CIF value (minimum Rs. 500, maximum Rs. 1 lakh) through online payment gateway using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.

Step 4: Obtain Automatic Registration Number (ARN)

Upon successful payment, an Automatic Registration Number (ARN) is generated, which is valid for 75 days from the date of registration. The ARN is required for customs clearance.

Step 5 : Customs Clearance

Present the ARN during customs clearance. The Bill of Entry (BOE) number must be updated in the NFMIMS portal within 15 days of obtaining the ARN for validation by customs authorities.

    Important Information for NFMIMS Registration

    • Validity Period: The ChIMS registration is valid for 75 days from the date of registration.
    • BOE Update: The Bill of Entry (BOE) number must be updated in the ChIMS portal within 15 days of obtaining the ARN.
    • Multiple Consignments: A single ARN can be used for multiple consignments of the same product from the same manufacturer within the validity period.
    • Modification: Once submitted, the ChIMS application cannot be modified. For any changes, a new application must be submitted.
    • Refund Policy: Registration fee is non-refundable even if the import does not take place.
    • Technical Support: For technical issues, contact the ChIMS helpdesk or call the helpline number.
    • Quality Verification: Certain high-security or critical components may require additional quality verification and certification.

Documents Required for NFMIMS Registration

Basic Documents
  • Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
  • GST Registration Certificate
  • PAN Card
  • Company Registration Certificate
  • Letter of Authorization (if applicable)
Import-Specific Documents
  • Proforma Invoice/Purchase Order
  • Product Specifications and Material Data Sheets
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Manufacturer's Authorization
  • End-use Certificate/Declaration
  • Quality Assurance Certificates
  • Metal Composition Analysis Report
  • Letter of Credit (if applicable)

Benefits of NFMIMS

For Government
  • Advance information on metal imports
  • Better monitoring and regulation
  • Data for policy formulation
  • Enhanced supply chain security
  • Protection against dumping
  • Support for domestic metal industry
  • Improved trade balance management
For Domestic Industry
  • Transparency in import data
  • Level playing field
  • Quality assurance of imports
  • Protection against unfair competition
  • Better planning for domestic production
  • Support for Make in India initiative
  • Industry growth and development
For Importers
  • Streamlined import process
  • Online registration system
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Reduced physical documentation
  • Integration with customs clearance
  • Quality assurance of imported metals
  • Protection against substandard products

Challenges and Compliance Issues

Importers may face several challenges while complying with NFMIMS requirements:

  • Technical Challenges: Navigating the online portal and ensuring accurate data entry for complex metal specifications.
  • Documentation Requirements: Gathering and submitting all necessary technical documents and certificates in the required format.
  • Time Constraints: Meeting the 75-day validity period and updating BOE within 15 days.
  • Fee Calculation: Ensuring correct calculation of registration fee based on CIF value.
  • Product Classification: Correctly identifying HS codes for non-ferrous metals covered under NFMIMS.
  • Technical Specifications: Providing accurate technical specifications and quality information for various metal grades.
  • Regulatory Updates: Keeping track of changes in NFMIMS regulations and requirements.
  • Multiple Consignments: Managing multiple shipments under a single ARN.
  • Quality Verification: Meeting additional quality verification requirements for high-grade metals.

Recent Updates and Amendments

  • Extension of NFMIMS to cover additional non-ferrous metals through various notifications.
  • Integration with Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT) for seamless customs clearance.
  • Enhanced security features for traceability and authentication of imported metals.
  • Implementation of risk management system for targeted inspection of critical metal imports.
  • Enhanced user interface and features on the NFMIMS portal for better user experience.
  • Introduction of mobile app for NFMIMS registration and tracking.
  • Revised guidelines for registration and fee payment process.
  • Additional requirements for strategic and high-grade metal imports.

Strategic Importance of NFMIMS

The Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System plays a crucial role in India's metal industry strategy and has several strategic implications:

  • Supply Chain Security: Enhances visibility and security in the metal supply chain, critical for manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
  • Quality Control: Helps prevent substandard metals from entering critical infrastructure and manufacturing systems.
  • Data Collection: Provides valuable data for policy formulation and strategic planning for metal industry development.
  • Industry Protection: Protects domestic metal producers from unfair trade practices and dumping.
  • Economic Security: Ensures availability of quality metals for strategic sectors like defense, aerospace, and electronics.
  • Trade Balance: Helps manage trade balance by monitoring metal imports, which form a significant portion of India's import bill.
  • Self-Reliance: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting domestic metal production and reducing import dependence.

Our NFMIMS Services

We provide comprehensive assistance for all your Non-Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System requirements, ensuring smooth compliance and hassle-free imports.

NFMIMS Registration

Complete assistance with the registration process on the NFMIMS portal, including account creation and documentation.

  • Portal registration and account setup
  • Data entry and information submission
  • Document preparation and verification
  • Application review before submission
Technical Documentation

Expert assistance with preparing and submitting all required documents for NFMIMS compliance and customs clearance.

  • Material specification preparation
  • Metal composition documentation
  • Quality certificate management
  • Digital document conversion and upload
  • Technical document verification
Advisory Services

Professional guidance on NFMIMS regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices for steel importers.

  • Regulatory compliance guidance
  • HS code classification assistance
  • Import procedure optimization
  • Updates on regulatory changes
  • Strategic import planning
ARN Processing

Efficient handling of Automatic Registration Number (ARN) applications and processing to ensure timely approvals.

  • Application submission and tracking
  • Fee calculation and payment processing
  • ARN generation and verification
  • BOE number updating within timeline
  • Multiple consignment management
Quality Verification Support

Assistance with quality verification and certification requirements for non-ferrous metals and metal products.

  • Quality certificate verification
  • Material testing coordination
  • Composition analysis documentation
  • Traceability documentation
  • Technical specification verification
Fee Payment Assistance

Support with calculating and processing registration fees based on CIF value as per NFMIMS requirements.

  • Accurate fee calculation
  • Online payment processing
  • Payment verification and confirmation
  • Receipt documentation and record-keeping
  • Fee optimization strategies
Compliance Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of NFMIMS compliance status and timely updates to prevent any regulatory issues.

  • Registration status tracking
  • Timeline monitoring and alerts
  • Compliance report generation
  • Regulatory requirement updates
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
End-to-End Import Support

Comprehensive assistance throughout the entire import process, from NFMIMS registration to customs clearance.

  • Pre-shipment documentation
  • NFMIMS registration and ARN generation
  • Customs clearance coordination
  • Post-import compliance management
  • Supply chain security management
Training and Education

Training sessions and educational resources for importers to understand NFMIMS requirements and procedures.

  • NFMIMS portal navigation training
  • Compliance requirement workshops
  • Documentation preparation guidance
  • Regulatory updates and seminars
  • Best practices for metal importers

Why Choose JB Export Services Consultants?

With years of experience in import-export consultancy, we offer reliable and efficient services for all your NFMIMS requirements.

Industry Expertise

Our team includes metal industry experts with in-depth knowledge of non-ferrous metals, their specifications, and related regulations.

Timely Service

We ensure prompt service delivery to avoid delays in your import processes, critical for time-sensitive metal shipments.

Compliance Assurance

We ensure 100% compliance with all NFMIMS regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties or import restrictions for your metal imports.

Personalized Support

We provide customized solutions based on your specific import requirements, metal specifications, and business needs..

Industry Experience

Our extensive experience in the metal industry gives us unique insights into the import requirements and challenges for non-ferrous metals.

Efficient Process

Our streamlined processes ensure quick turnaround times for NFMIMS registration and documentation, reducing your administrative burden.