• Import Policy of Steam Coal appearing in Chapter 27 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule − I as given in Annex to DGFT Notification no 17 dated 5th September 2019 has been changed from ‘free’ to ‘free subject to compulsory registration’ under Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS).

• Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) shall require importers to submit advance information in an online system for import of Steam Coal. On submission of online data/information, the system will generate an automatic unique Registration Number. No manual documents are to be submitted to any public authority for this purpose.

• Importer can apply for online registration not earlier than 60th day and till the arrival date (Zero day) of consignment at gateway port. The automatic Registration Number thus granted shall remain valid for a period of 75 days

• A registration fee of Rs 1 per thousand subject to a minimum of Rs.500/− and a maximum of Rs 1 Lakh on aggregate CIF value of imports will need to be paid through electronic mode in the online system for each registration number

• 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

• Facility of on line Registration will be available with effect from 15th February 2021

• 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

• Other related information
- On registration, a Unique Registration Number (URN) starting with ‘COA’ will be sent to the IEC holders mobile/email id (as given in IEC database)
- CIMS also has the facility to view earlier online registrations. In addition, incomplete applications which have not been submitted for registration on the DGFT portal are also available in the CIMS for review and further action
- Any change in applicant’s mobile/email id will need to be first amended/updated in DGFT IEC database through the online IEC modification system
- Importers who fail to register their information/data on notified coal items in advance or are found to furnish incorrect data in the Online CIMS module will attract punitive action including action under FTDR Act, 1992
- Online Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) is available on a 24X7 basis. However, in the interest of trade/importers, it is suggested that registrations are filed/obtained fairly well in advance to avoid disruptions in the business activity of the firm.
- Any issues on account of difficulties faced in filing online registrations need to be raised to Dr. Manik Chandra Pandit, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Coal, Address- Room No. 06, 9th Floor Lok Nayak Bhawan New Delhi- 110003 at Contact No. 011-24635949 or mail at manikc[dot]pandit[at]nic[dot]in and cims-coal[at]gov[dot]in for support.