Aluminum Import Monitoring System (AIMS) - Process, Fees & Documents

To control and monitor the import of aluminum and aluminum-related products, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, launched the Aluminium Import Monitoring System (AIMS) Registration, an online platform. Before their goods can be cleared through customs, all importers who deal with notified aluminum items must comply with this requirement.

Importers are required to register their shipment information on the DGFT portal, including the HS code, product description, quantity, CIF value, country of origin, and port of import. At the time of customs clearance, the Bill of Entry must include the unique registration number that is generated after the application is submitted.

This system enables the government to protect domestic producers, prevent unfair dumping of inferior aluminum, and maintain trade transparency. AIMS registration guarantees hassle-free import operations, DGFT compliance, and efficient customs clearance for importers.

The AIMS Registration offers multiple advantages for both importers and the government. Some of the key benefits include:

• Assures Adherence: Assists importers in adhering to DGFT rules to prevent fines or shipment delays.
• Easy Customs Clearance: To ensure quicker and easier clearance, the Bill of Entry requires an AIMS registration number.
• Openness in Imports: Promotes fair trade by offering precise information on the kind, amount, and origin of imports of aluminum.
• Stops Unfair Trade Practices: Helps the government keep an eye on and stop the dumping of inferior or inexpensive aluminum products in India.
• Encourages Homegrown Industry: Maintains a balance between imports and domestic supply to protect local manufacturers.
• Easy Online Procedure: The DGFT portal makes the entire registration process quick, digital, and simple.

Policy circular No. 42/2015-2020 as stated by DGFT provides clarifications on compulsory registration under Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) including Aluminium. Listed below are five clarifications as stated by DGFT:

• Air-Freight Exemption under NFMIMS : As stated under DGFT Policy Circular No. 42/2015-2020 dated 27 July 2022, NFMIMS requirement is applicable only to imports arriving through sea ports and does not extend to goods imported by air. Importers must verify the mode of transport before applying for NFMIMS registration.
• Multiple Consignments under a Single NFMIMS Registration : Multiple consignments can be imported using a single NFMIMS registration, provided that the consignments are imported within the validity period of the registration.
• QCO Description as an Optional Requirement : Quality Control Order (QCO) information is optional, and customs officer doesn’t need to check QCO description under NFMIMS.
• QCO Verification by Customs Officers : Customs officers may verify compliance with the applicable Quality Control Order (QCO) during the customs clearance process.
• Applicability to Advance Authorisation, DFIA and SEZ Imports : NFMIMS registration is applicable for imports under Advance Authorization, Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA) and into SEZs (Special Economic Zones).

All 43 aluminium tariff items notified under Annexure II of DGFT Notification No. 61/2015-2020 (dated 31 March 2021) require mandatory AIMS registration before the Bill of Entry is filed.

Key AIMS updates and notifications issued by the DGFT are outlined below:

• Notification 61/2015-2020 (31 Mar 2021) : Notification issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade on 31st March 2021 is the official notification that mandates advance online registration before importing copper and Aluminium in India.
• Policy Circular 42/2015-2020 (27 Jul 2022) : This policy circular as released by DGFT streamlines NFMIMS process by exempting all freighted imports from mandatory registration and ensures clearance of multiple consignments under a single Unique Registration Number (URN) within its 75-day validity.
• Notification 22/2026-27 (30 Jun 2026) : Latest DGFT Notification No. 22/2026-27 dated 30 June 2026 states that eligible importers of copper and aluminium products can obtain NFMIMS registration before the final Customs clearance. The amendment removes the requirement to obtain registration before the arrival of the consignment.

Aluminium Import Monitoring System registration is a mandatory compliance process for specified aluminium goods, which demands precise documentation, on-time application submission, and strict adherence to DGFT norms. Delays or improper submissions can result in consignment detention or DGFT fines.

Professional Utilities, with extensive experience in import compliance handling, offers comprehensive assistance for AIMS registration, from document validation to application submission and DGFT coordination. Businesses that deal with other non-ferrous metals like copper also need to register with the Copper Import Monitoring System (CIMS). It helps in smooth import operations.