PIMS Registration: Eligibility, Documents, Process, Fees

Introduction 

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has recently announced the introduction of the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) by amending the import policy of 201 tariff lines under Chapter 48 of the Indian Trade Classification (ITC) [HS] 2022 / 2017 Schedule 1 for major paper products. This amendment mandates the registration of these products under PIMS, which was previously categorized as ‘free.’

The PIMS has been introduced to capture specific details of the import of paper and paper products under Chapter 48 of the ITC [HS] 2017 Schedule 1. The system will collect detailed information on imports of these products, which will aid in the analysis of trade and facilitate policy formulation. Real-time access to information will enable monitoring and targeted decision-making.

A legal consequence 

An importer who fails to register their information /data on notified products in advance or is found to furnish incorrect data in the online PIMS module will attract punitive action, including action under the Foreign Trade [ d&r] Act 1992.

Mandatory 

For importing paper and its related products importers need to take PIMS authorization as addressed by DGFT in this regard.

To enable custom clearance of consignment, an importer shall have to enter the registration number URN and expiration date of registration into the bill of entry.

Purpose of PIMS registration 

Based on the demand of the domestic paper industry, the introduction of PIMS is intended to curb

• Import under the others category tariff items
• Re-routing goods through other countries instead of trade agreements
• Dumping of papers and paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing
• Entry of prohibited goods by misdeclaration.
• Pims may also promote the Make in India and Atmanirbhar initiatives under this category.

Validity of registration 

Importers can apply for online registration not earlier than 75 days before the expected date of arrival of import consignment. after registration automatic URN number is generated The automatic registration number urn shall remain valid for 75 days.

Multiple consignments in the bill of entry [ boe] shall be allowed in the same registration number within the validity period of registration for the permitted quantity.

Applicability 

The  PIMS shall be applicable on import by a domestic territory area unit on a wide range of paper products covering 201 tariff lines such as –

• Newsprint paper
• Handmade paper
• Coated paper
• Uncoated paper
• Litho and offset paper
• Tissue paper
• Toilet paper
• Carton
• Label
• Wallpaper base
• India paper
• Drawing paper
• Account book paper
• straw paper
• Poster paper
• Kraft paper
• Bobbins

Exemption

Paper products like currency paper, bank bonds, cheque paper, and security printing paper have been excluded from mandatory registration.

PIMS obligation for SEZ /FTWZ / EOU to DTA 

Pims shall require an importer to submit advance information in an online system for the import of items. Further registration under PIMS shall also be required at the point of import by a unit in a special economic zone / free trading warehousing zone or at the time of import by an export-oriented unit of the items covered PIMS .however registration under PIMS shall not be required by the domestic territory area [ dta] unit at the time of customs clearance from the

SEZ / FTWZ / EOU to DTA

If no processing has taken place of the item of paper that has already been registered under PIMS  at the time of entry into an SEZ / FTWZ / EOU.

However, if processing has taken place in the  SEZ / FTWZ / EOU  with a change in HS code at

8 – 8-digit level, then the importer in DTA will be required to register under PIMS if the processed item falls under any of the 201 tariff lines covered under PIMS

Pims registration process 

Step 1 – Online registration

An importer must create an account on the Pims portal, providing their details and mandatory documents.

Step – 2 Product details 

Detailed information about the imported paper products, including quantity, value, and country of origin, must be submitted.

Step 3: Monitoring and compliance 

Registered importers are subject to monitoring and compliance checks to ensure adherence to the regulations.

Document required for PIMS  registration

• Basic details and documents of applicants
• Proof of business
• Digital signature certificate [e-token]
• Import-export code

PIMS  intended to  

Pims are intended to assist the government in regulating the paper import market and protect domestic paper producers from unfair competition.

Pims also ensure that only high-quality paper is imported into the country.

Pims are addressing accountability among importers and reducing the possibility of malpractice.

Protection of domestic industry

PIMS provides valuable market insights, promotes transparency, and prevents unfair trade practices.

Conclusion

Department of Commerce [ doc] and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade [ DPIIT ]  have implemented the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) to ensure paper imports into the country are registered and tracked, irrespective of the purpose and under any scheme, such as Advance Authorization, IGCR, EOU, or SEZ. This measure has been instrumental in India’s considerable progress in international trade and commerce, enabling the country to emerge as a major player in the global paper industry.

PIMS is a transformative mechanism in the realm of international paper trade, allowing importers to register and monitor their paper imports. The system provides valuable information on paper prices and other market data.