**Policy Summary: Clarifications Regarding Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS)**
This circular, No. 42/2015-2020, dated July 27, 2022, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, addresses clarifications regarding the Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS). These clarifications are in response to representations from trade and industry members following Notification No. 61/2015-2020, dated March 31, 2021, which amended the import policy for copper (Chapter 74 of ITC HS) and aluminum (Chapter 76 of ITC HS) to require compulsory registration under NFMIMS.
Key clarifications provided are as follows:
* **Airfreighted Goods:** NFMIMS is not applicable to goods imported via air, recognizing this mode is for emergency, small-volume, high-value goods needed urgently.
* **Multiple Consignments:** A single NFMIMS registration allows for the import of any number of consignments within the registration's validity period.
* **Quality Control Order (QCO) Description:** Providing the QCO description in NFMIMS is optional for importers.
* **Customs Officer's Role:** Customs officers are not mandated to check the QCO description in the NFMIMS certificate during the clearance of Bills of Entry, as this information is optional. However, they must still adhere to other applicable laws and regulations.
* **Applicability to Specific Schemes:** NFMIMS applies to imports made under Advance Authorization, Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA), and to Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
For further information, contact Jai Pal, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, at jai.pal84@nic.in. The circular was issued from File No. 01/89/180/47/AM02/PC2B/E1319.
Key Entities Referenced
Quality Control Order (QCO): Mentioned in the context of whether its description is compulsory in NFMIMS registration.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade: A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for implementing foreign trade policy.
New Delhi, Delhi: The location of the Vanijya Bhawan, where the Directorate General of Foreign Trade is situated.
DGFT Notification No. 61 2015-2020: A notification issued by DGFT related to the import policy of copper and aluminum items.
Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS): A system for compulsory registration of imports of specific non-ferrous metals.
Ministry of Mines: The ministry to which issues regarding NFMIMS were referred for clarification.
Customs Authorities: Authorities responsible for clearing goods at the border and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
Advance Authorization, DFIA and SEZs: Schemes related to imports and exports, in the context of NFMIMS applicability.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, A-Wing
16 Akbar Road, New Delhi-110011
Card
Policy Circular No. 42 /2015-2020
Dated 27" July, 2022
To
All Regional Authorities of DGFT
All Customs Authorities
Subsequent to the issuance of DGFT Notification No.61/2015-2020 dated 31.03.2021 amending the import
policy of items of copper (Annexure-I to DGFT Notification No.61/2015-2020) falling in Chapter-74 of ITC (HS) and
items of Aluminum (Annexure-l! to DGFT Notification No.61/2015-2020) falling in Chapter-76 of ITC (HS) from
Free’ to ‘Free subject to compulsory registration under Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS)
DGFT has received various representations from members of Trade & Industry seeking clarification on NFMIMS.
2. The issues were referred to M/o Mines and based upon the clarification received, responses thereto are given
below:
A. Whether imports through air mode are exempted from registration under NFMIMS?
Response: 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.
B. Whether multiple consignments against a NFMIMS registration can be imported within the validity
period of NFMIMS Registration?
Response: Any number of consignments can be imported by a single NFMIMS registration within the validity of
the registration.
C. Whether it is compulsory to provide the proper Quality Control Order (QCO) description in NFMIMS or
not?
Response: The information relating to proper QCO description can be treated as optional category in the
description filed by importer under NFMIMS.
D. Whether the Custom officers at the border are mandated to check QCO description in NFMIMS
certificate while clearing the Bill of Entries or not?
Response: Since the QCO information is optional information therefore, it is not mandatory for the Custom officer
to check QCO description under NFMIMS. However, custom officer has to consider the provisions/rules under the
other laws of the land at the time of clearing the Bill of Entries.
E. Whether NFMIMS is applicable to shipments under Advance Authorization, DFIA and SEZs?
Response: NFMIMS is applicable to imports through Advance Authorization, DFIA and import to SEZs.
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Jai Pal)
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade
Email: jai.pal84@nic.in
[Issued from File No.01/89/180/47/AM-02/PC-2(A)/E-1319]