NFMIMS Certificate: Eligibility, Document, Procedure

Overview 

As per the DGFT, the government of India has amended the import policy of copper and aluminium under the non-ferrous metal import monitoring system.

The non-ferrous import monitoring system emerged as a groundbreaking initiative, ensuring visibility and control over the importation of these crucial metals.

Nfmims are implemented by the Ministry of Mines to track the import of aluminium and copper and are mandatory for all importers of these metals.

A unique registration number (urn) starting with NFS will be provided to the importer after registration under NFMIMS

Non-ferrous metal import monitoring system for the import of aluminium and copper to cover 43 aluminium products under HS code 76 and 46 copper products under HS code 74  the purpose of the system is to have adequate information about the import of aluminium and copper system also provide information to stakeholders & has a significant catalyst in atma nirbhar bharat and vision 2030 for the aluminium industry.

A consequence of the non-registration  

Legal action would be taken including the action under the FTDR Act 1992 for the copper/aluminium importer who failed to register under  NFMIMS in advance or found wrong data in an online system.

Nfmims registration for importer

Nfmims registration is the mandatory process of obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Mines that comes under the government of India before importing specific non-ferrous metal into the country. It involves submitting required details about the intended import through an online system enabling the government to monitor and regulate the inflow of these metals.

Import of specific categories under ITC  [hs] is subject to mandatory registration under the non-ferrous metal import monitoring system [NFMIMS] this issues with the approval of the minister of commerce & industry. 

All importers of aluminium and copper items falling under the specified hs code 76 and 74 are required to register with NFMIMS. This includes 

• Individual importers – stakeholders who import these metals for their use or commercial purpose 
• Traders – businesses that import aluminium and copper for re-sale within India 
• Manufacturers – companies that import these metals as raw materials for their manufacturing processes

Clarification given by DGFT on non – -non-ferrous metal import monitoring system 

• Nfmims  will not be applicable on air-freighted goods as this mode is used for emergency / small volume high-value goods required at short notice 
• A single  NFMIMS registration can import any number of consignments within the validity of the registration 
• The information relating to proper QCO  description can be treated as an optional category in the description filed by the importer under  NFMIMS
• Since the QCO information is optional, the customs officer doesn’t need to check the QCO description under  NFMIMS however the customs officer has to consider the provision/rules under the other laws of the land at the time of clearing the bill of entry 
• Nfmims applies to import through advance authorization, data, and implication to sez

Objective of NFMIMS

The Ministry of Mines addresses the non-ferrous metal import monitoring system and the objective of introducing the NFMIMS is to enable the government of India to maintain and update constantly a database containing advanced information on copper and aluminium products imported into India.

• Gather real-time data  –  collect accurate and timely data on the import of covered non-ferrous metal, providing valuable insights into trade patterns and market dynamics 
• Enable informed policy-making – NFMIMS assists the government in formulating effective policies related to – import regulation, tariff adjustments, domestic production strategies, price stabilization measures 
• Ensure transparency and compliance.

• Protect domestic industry 

Features of NFMIMS

Simplified data submission 

importers provide the following details as 

• Type and quantity of metal 
• Country of origin 
• Port of entry 
• Expected date of arrival 

Automatic registration number 

A unique registration number (urn) starting with  NFS  will be provided to the importer after registration under  NFMIMS.

Validity of registration 

Each registration is valid for a specific period up to 6 months. 

One license application can cover multiple products .nfmis provides numerous items for each registration provided the importer, exporter, manufacturer country of origin, and port of exportation are the same. 

Products eligible for NFMIMS

Nfmims covers the following non-ferrous metals and their products 

Copper 

• Copper cathodes 
• Copper scrap 
• Copper wires  
• Copper rods 
• Copper tubes and pipes 
• Copper plates, sheets, and strips

Aluminum 

• Primary aluminium ingots 
• Aluminum scrap 
• Aluminum wires 
• Aluminium plates, sheets, and strips 
• Aluminum foils 
• Aluminum tubes and pipes 

Nfmims registration procedure 

The online application has to be done on the government’s official website for import under the import monitoring system [ims].

• Provide all mandatory details. 
• On registration, a unique registration number [urn] starting with NFS will be sent to the IEC holders.
• The importer shall have to enter the registration number and expiry date of registration in the bill of entry to enable customs for clearance of consignment. 

IEC – concerned importers are required to ensure that their email ID and mobile no are updated in the IEC profile.

Post compliance 

Importers shall have to enter the registration number and expiry date of registration in the bill of entry to enable customs clearance of consignment.

Import-export code 

The import-export code is a primary document necessary for commencing import-export activities. the ie code is to be obtained for exporting or importing any goods or services. 

Prescribed time to apply for NFMIMS registration 

The importer can apply for registration not earlier than 60 days and not later than the 5th day before the expected arrival date of import consignment.

Validity of registration number 

The automatic registration number would remain valid for 75 days.

Fee requirement for  NFMIMS license 

 Nfmims shall require importers to submit advance information in an online system for the import of items in Annexure 1 [for copper ] and Annexure 2 [for aluminium] and obtain an automatic registration number by paying a registration fee of  Rs 500.

Nfmims copper – navigating the copper import monitoring system 

The NFMIMS copper import monitoring system brings a new dimension to overseeing copper imports, addressing concerns related to quality, quantity, and compliance with international standards. by leveraging advanced monitoring technologies,  NFMIMS Copper ensures real-time tracking and ensuring fair trade practices.

Nfmims aluminium – elevating aluminium import monitoring 

The NFMIMS aluminium import monitoring system strives to enhance transparency in the aluminium trade. aluminium is high in demand because of its lightweight and versatile metal NFMIMS aluminium monitors and regulates the importation of this metal, providing a comprehensive framework for stakeholders to ensure the quantity and authenticity of imported aluminium products.

Benefits

There are several benefits stakeholders get from  NFMIMS 

• Enhanced transparency – promotes openness and visibility in the import process.
• Improved data accuracy – real-time data collection ensures more reliable information for decision-making.
• Timely policy interventions – the government can swiftly address any potential disruption or imbalance in the market.
• Streamlined import process – simplifies compliance and reduces administrative burdens for importers.
• Effective data-driven policy-making – enables the government to formulate policies based on accurate and up-to-date information, fostering a more stable and efficient non-ferrous metal market in India.

Document  required for  NFMIMS registration 

To get the registration number for the NFMIMS license some various documents/data have to be kept ready in hand the document such as a digital signature certificate, and active  IECcopy are required with the following import and product details – 

• Import-export code [iec] – this 10-digit code issued by the directorate general of foreign trade DGFT is mandatory for all import-export activities in India.
• Digital signature certificate [dsc] – 
• Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC) – issued by the appropriate trade association or export promotion council, is necessary for certain importers.
• Business proof – copy of the company’s PAN card, GST registration certificate 
• IEC holder’s Aadhar card – the Aadhar card of the person holding the IEC is required for verification purposes. 

Import details 

• Exporter name, address, country 
• Manufacturer, name, address, country 
• Country of origin 
• Purpose of import 
• Port of exportation 
• Port of import 
• Expected date of import & export 
• Expected port of entry 

Items details 

• HSN code & description 
• Qco code and description, QCO description 
• Item description 
• Technical details 
• Type of coal 
• End use and its description 
• IC number 
• Technical details 
• Quantity & cif value of import 
• Product category

Role of NFMIMS in policy intervention 

Nfmims play a vital role in facilitating informed policy interventions by the government in the non-ferrous metal sector here’s how it contributes –

• Real-time data – NFMIMS  provides up-to-date information on import volumes, prices, and sources of supply, enabling the government to track market trends and identify potential issues.
• Early warning system – acts as an early warning system for potential shortages or surpluses allowing the government to take proactive measures.
• Trade policy formulation – the data collected through NFMIMS assists in shaping trade policies related to import tariffs, quotas, and other regulatory measures.
• Domestic industry protection – by monitoring import flows, NFMIMS can help safeguard the interest of domestic non-ferrous metal producers and ensure fair competition.
• Price stabilization – the government can use NFMIMS  data to identify and address price fluctuations contributing to market stability.

Conclusion 

The non-ferrous metal import monitoring system [nfmims] stands as a significant step towards enhanced transparency and data-driven policy making in India’s non-ferrous metal sector by requiring importers to register and provide advance information the government can gather –

• real-time monitoring insights into import trends and market dynamics.
• Ensuring quality standards 
• Preventing fraudulent activities.

Nfmims set new standards for fair and efficient trade practices. Navigating the complexities of global commerce, NFMIMS paves the way for a future where the copper and aluminium trade is not only lucrative but also sustainable and responsible. As businesses embrace NFMIMS registration, they actively contribute to a world where the integrity of trade is paramount, benefitting industries, economies, and societies at large.