Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System Registration - Process & Fees

For successful registration under the NFMIMS, importers are required to submit the following details and supporting documents:

• NFMIMS Registration Benefits: NFMIMS registration brings numerous benefits, enhancing transparency, protecting the domestic industry, and empowering the government with data for smarter trade decisions.
• Transparency and Accountability - NFMIMS ensures greater transparency in the import process by holding importers accountable and minimizing the chances of malpractice. This results in a more efficient and trustworthy trade environment.
• Protection of Domestic Industry - By closely monitoring imports, NFMIMS helps protect the interests of the domestic metal industry. It ensures fair competition, promotes industry growth, and prevents unfair trade practices that could harm local businesses.
• Informed Decision-Making - The data collected through NFMIMS is invaluable for government authorities in making informed decisions regarding tariffs, trade policies, and quotas. This leads to smarter policies that benefit both the economy and the domestic industry.

Importers dealing with copper and aluminum must obtain NFMIMS registration, as mandated by the ITC (HS) 2017 guidelines.

• Copper –Ch 74 of ITC (HS) 2017
• Aluminum - Ch 76 of ITC (HS) 2017

Non-Ferrous Metal import monitoring system (NFMIMS) covers 46 tariff items under Chapter 74 and 43 tariff items under Chapter 76. Nickel, lead, zinc and tin are not covered under NFMIMS, and these items do not require NFMIMS registration under this mechanism. Registration is only required for tariff items under Chapter 74 (copper) and Chapter 76 (Aluminium) of ITC (HS) classification.

Note: For detailed information on copper import requirements and registration, please visit the Copper Import Monitoring System .

NFMIMS plays a crucial role in promoting fair trade and supporting the growth of the non-ferrous metal industry by ensuring transparency and data-driven decisions.

• Preventing Unfair Trade Practices: A key goal of NFMIMS is to combat unfair trade practices, such as dumping and under-invoicing, that could negatively impact the domestic metal industry. By maintaining a detailed record of imports, the government can quickly detect and address these issues, ensuring a fair market environment.
• Enabling Data-Driven Decision Making: NFMIMS provides policymakers with valuable data on non-ferrous metal imports. This data empowers the government to make well-informed decisions regarding tariffs, quotas, and other trade-related policies, fostering the long-term growth and stability of the sector.

Common reasons for rejection of NFMIMS Registration include:

• Outdated DGFT Data
• Mismatched Documentation
• HS Code Mismatch
• Invalid or Expired DSC
• Incorrect Quantity or Value

Key Differences Between NFMIMS and Other Import Monitoring Systems are:

• 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).

DGFT Notification No. 61/2015-2020, dated 31 March 2021-45 copper tariff items (Annexure 1) and 43 aluminium tariff items (Annexure II) require compulsory NFMIMS registration before import

While NFMIMS has made significant strides in improving trade monitoring, it faces challenges that need to be addressed for better implementation and broader impact in the future.

• Technological Challenges - Despite its many advantages, the NFMIMS platform faces challenges related to system glitches and necessary updates. Ongoing improvements are required to streamline its operations and ensure smooth functionality.
• Expanding Coverage - There is potential for NFMIMS to be expanded to include other key industries, making it an even more effective tool for comprehensive trade monitoring across various sectors.

The registration for Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) is a mandatory compliance requirement for importers of Aluminium and copper products in India. This is required to ensure that the information submitted is accurate, submitted on time, and in the correct technical format to avoid any delay or dispute with customs.

With over a decade of experience in the practical handling of import compliance problems, Professional Utilities is here to provide you with complete support, from document review to application submissions and coordination with the concerned authorities. Besides non-ferrous metals, DGFT has also implemented monitoring systems for other important industrial materials such as steel through the Aluminium Import Monitoring System (AIMS).