CIMS Registration for Coal Imports in India
Updated on August 07, 2025 12:29:08 PM
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS), under which importers are required to provide prior information in an online system for import and obtain an automated registration number or CIMS registration for foreign trade policy measures. According to the CIMS, advance information is to be filed in an online system to import steam coal. For registration purposes, no manual document is required by the system; once you submit online data/information then it will automatically issue a registration number. On registration, the coal importers will be issued with a unique registration number referred to as the URN, which will start with COA.
CIMS seeks to guarantee that only quality coal is imported into the country, as well as regulate the market for coal imports and safeguard local coal producers from unfair competition. The system is important in helping the government make informed decisions on coal import policies by providing them with accurate and reliable information regarding the quantity, value, and quality of coal imports.
Coal Registration [Sample]
CIMS or Coal Import Monitoring System, is a digital platform launched by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry to effectively monitor and regulate the import of coal products into India. Before shipping products to India, importers must register their coal import-related information in an online database. This information includes the name of the importer, the country of origin of the coal, the quantity of coal being imported, and the port of entry. CIMS is designed to help the Indian government track the import of coal products and ensure that only high-quality coal products are imported into the country. It is also designed to help the government protect the domestic coal industry from unfair competition from imported coal products.
Importers dealing with the following types of coal must obtain CIMS Registration as per the Foreign Trade Policy guidelines:
| Product Name | Usage/Application | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Anthracite Coal | High carbon coal used in metal smelting and industrial power plants. | 27011100 |
| Bituminous Coal | Used for electricity generation, cement production, and steel manufacturing. | 27011200 |
| Coking Coal | Essential for coke production in steel industries. | 27011910 |
| Steam Coal | Primarily used for steam generation in thermal power stations. | 27011920 |
| Other Coal | Includes miscellaneous types used in various industries. | 27011990 |
The Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) is a strategic initiative by the Government of India aimed at ensuring transparency, preventing unfair trade practices, and supporting informed policymaking in the coal import sector.
To successfully complete the CIMS registration process for coal imports, importers must submit the following mandatory documents and business credentials:
The total CIMS registration fee in India is ₹3,000, which includes ₹500 as the government fee prescribed by DGFT and ₹2,500 as professional service charges.
| Particular | Fee |
|---|---|
| Govt Fee | ₹500 |
| Professional Fee | ₹2,500 |
| Total Fee | ₹3,000 |
Note: The aforementioned Fees is exclusive of GST.
Registering under the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) is a mandatory online process for importers in India. Follow these simple steps to get your URN and stay compliant with DGFT regulations.
To begin the registration, importers must first create an account on the CIMS portal. This requires providing essential details, including personal/company information and uploading necessary supporting documents for verification.
Importers must provide comprehensive information about the imported coal products, such as:
This data must be entered accurately to ensure compliance with import regulations.
Once registered, importers are subject to ongoing monitoring and compliance checks to confirm that all regulations are being followed. This step ensures adherence to the rules governing coal imports.
CIMS (Coal Import Monitoring System) introduced by the Government of India offers transparency, protects domestic coal industries, and supports data-driven trade policy decisions.
Conclusion
The dynamic world of international trade has seen India's CIMS registration system emerge as a vital tool for efficiently monitoring and regulating coal imports. By promoting transparency, protecting domestic industries, and aiding informed decision-making, CIMS makes a significant contribution to the growth and stability of the Indian coal sector.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
CIMS stands for Coal Import Monitoring System. It is a registration system introduced by the Government of India to monitor and regulate coal imports through an online platform.
CIMS Registration is a mandatory online process for importers of specific types of coal in India. It requires submitting key import details to obtain a unique registration number (URN), which is needed before import clearance.
The total fee for CIMS registration is ₹3,000, which includes:
CIMS was launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to:
Importers must apply for CIMS registration before placing the import order or initiating the shipment. The registration must be completed well in advance of customs clearance.
The CIMS registration number (URN) is valid for 75 days from the date of issuance. Importers must complete the import within this period.
Currently, CIMS registrations cannot be canceled once issued. However, if the import does not take place within the 75-day validity, the URN will expire automatically and become invalid.
Failure to obtain CIMS registration before importing coal — especially steam coal — can result in:
CIMS registration is mandatory, and non-compliance may lead to serious regulatory consequences.
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