The Ministry of Steel has raised serious concerns regarding the misuse of the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) by certain importers operating through the SEZ/EOU route.
In an official memorandum, the Ministry reported multiple irregularities following a scrutiny of SIMS records, prompting a request for action by the Department of Commerce.
According to the Ministry, a review of 899 cases of SIMS registration revealed that many importers submitted blank or irrelevant documents, or uploaded files that failed to substantiate their SEZ/EOU status.
In some cases, the declarations made were deemed arbitrary and lacking in valid proof. These actions are suspected to be deliberate attempts to exploit exemptions from Quality Control Orders (QCOs) granted under DGFT Notification No. 71/2024 dated April 21, 2024.
“The findings indicate a potential pattern of abuse aimed at availing unjustified exemptions, possibly impacting the integrity of trade regulations,” stated the Ministry in the memorandum.
As a result, the Department of Commerce (SEZ/EOU Division) has been urged to initiate an inquiry into the matter and take appropriate penal actions against the units found violating the DGFT notification.
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