Introduction

PIMS registration is an important process for importers of paper products and is important to provide the details about the paper products before arrival in India. The PIMS registration has been introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amending paper import policy of major paper products listed in the Annexure-I has been revised from 'Free' to 'Free subject to compulsory registration' under Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS). Recently, the facility to register under PIMS online registration has been effective from 15.07.2022 and implemented by 1.10.2022. Under the Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1, there are a total 201 tariff lines of product that can be imported. This article discusses how to obtain the PIMS registration, including eligibility criteria, documents, procedures, and validity regarding the PIMS registration.

What is PIMS Registration?

Under DGFT, the PIMS registration has been introduced to provide specific details for paper and paper products under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1. This registration helps to update the system on the imported paper or paper-related products which will aid in the analysis of trade data and facilitate policy formulation.

Features of PIMS Online Registration

Following are the PIMS online registration, is mentioned as follows:

• Modification in applicant’s details: If any changes need to be made on behalf of importers or exporters himself, will need to be amended/updated in the DGFT IEC database through the online IEC modification.
• Availability of PIMS online registration: If any applicant left their application status or haven’t even submitted is also taken pending for PIMS for further review or actions.
• In case of furnishing incorrect data: Importers in case of furnishing incorrect data or who fail to provide information/data on notified products will attract punitive actions including the actions under Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) [FTDR] Act, 1992.

Benefits of PIMS Registration

Here’s the benefits derived after obtaining PIMS Registration:

• Quality Control: PIMS registration tracks paper import details, and potential issues during the import of notified paper imports.
• Protection of Domestic Industry: PIMS helps importers to protect the interests of domestic paper manufactures through providing fair prevention from fraudulent activities.
• Reduce Malpractice: Malpractices are prevalent these days to earn instant profits. PIMS registration ensures that the malpractices should be reduced while importing paper products.
• Efficient Custom Clearance: PIMS registration helps to get the faster custom clearance for legitimate paper imports.

Eligibility Criteria for PIMS Registration

Here’s the list of considering the eligibility criteria for PIMS registration, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry:

• Importers can apply for online registration not earlier than the 75th day and not later than 5th day before the expected date of arrival of import consignment. The URN is granted just after the payment of fees. The URN thus granted shall remain valid for a period of 75 days.
• PIMS shall be mandatory regardless of any paper products under any scheme (Advance Authorisation, IGCR, EOU, SEZ, etc.).
• Registration under PIMS shall be mandatory for imports of all notified paper products.
• Regardless to the imports and exports of purpose for importing paper and paper related products.
• Import Consignment of samples for FOB values of ₹10,000/- irrespective of quantity, shall be exempted from requirement of compulsory registration under PIMS.

Products Covered under PIMS Registration

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the PIMS registration under the Chapter 48 of ITC HS, 2017 schedule-I (Import Policy) has covered all the notified products with 201 tariff lines. Here’s the list of 10 major product applicability which has been covered under PIMS registration:

• Tissue Paper
• Drawing paper
• Poster paper
• Accounting Book Paper
• Tracing papers.
• Greaseproof paper
• Chrome paper or paperboard
• Handmade paper
• Envelopes
• Toilet paper
• Boxes of Non-Corrugated paper

Documents Required for PIMS Registration

Here’s the list of documents required for PIMS registration:

• IEC Registration
• Bill of Entry
• Bill of Lading
• Have to enter information in advance for import of items under annexure-A.
• RCMC registration
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Registration Fee for Obtaining PIMS Registration

The registration fees for obtaining PIMS registration is ₹500/- via electronic or online mode.

How to Apply for PIMS Registration Online?

Here’s the step-by-step procedures for applying PIMS registration online:

1. Step 1: Consult Our Team Bizfoc
2. Step 2: Gather the Documents
3. Step 3: Submit the Application and pay Fees
4. Step 4: Verification and Approval
5. Step 5: Issuance of Certificate

Validity and Renewal for PIMS Registration

The PIMS registration is valid for only 75 days and the multiple consignment Bill of Entry shall be allowed at the same registration number on the permitted quantity. There is no requirement to renew your PIMS registration as it will automatically be issued on upcoming import of paper and paper related products.

Time Taken to Obtain PIMS Registration

The time taken to obtain the PIMS registration takes around 1-2 days or can be provided within 24 hours at the specific time of application.

Why Choose Bizfoc for PIMS Registration?

Here are the top five reasons why you should choose Bizfoc for registering themselves under PIMS Registration Online:

• Hassle-free procedures
• Cost-effective solution
• Respond to all your queries and doubts via communication mediums
• Free assistance of experts
• Proven success

Conclusion

PIMS registration is an important document to allow the import of paper and paper related products. This document helps to provide details about their shipments before arriving at the port of India. Getting the PIMS registration can only be achieved through the correct submission of documents, adhere to eligibility criteria and respected fees. To obtain the PIMS registration in India, an applicant needs to first consult with their expert advisor so that the certificate will be issued with the support of our expert team.

Frequently Asked Questions