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.
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)
Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) has been introduced to capture specific details of the import of Paper and Paper products under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule-1. The system would collect detailed information on imports of the products which will aid in the analysis of trade data and facilitate policy formulation.
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
- 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.
FAQs
What is the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)?
The Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) is a regulatory framework introduced by the government to monitor the import of paper products. Its main goal is to ensure that imports comply with national standards and to prevent the dumping of low-quality or harmful paper products into the domestic market.
Why was PIMS introduced?
- Protect domestic paper manufacturers from unfair competition.
- Ensure the quality of imported paper products.
- Prevent the import of substandard or harmful paper materials.
- Monitor and regulate the import volumes to maintain market balance.