DGFT Amends Registration Timing for Non-Ferrous Metal Imports

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Dated: 01.07.2026

DGFT Amends Registration Timing for Non-Ferrous Metal Imports

The Government of India has announced a significant amendment to the import policy for non-ferrous metals under Chapters 74 and 76 of the ITC(HS) 2022. This change, effective immediately, is designed to streamline the import process for copper and aluminium, making compliance easier for importers.

Key Highlights of the Amendment

Flexible Registration Timing
- Previous Rule: Importers were required to apply for registration under the Non-ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) before the arrival of their import consignment.
- New Rule: Importers can now apply for registration at any time before the final customs clearance, known as the “Out of Charge” order. This means registration is possible up until the point when goods are cleared for removal from the customs area.
Scope of the Amendment
- The amendment applies to:
  - Chapter 74: Copper (Annexure-1)
  - Chapter 76: Aluminium (Annexure-11)
- The process remains online, and importers must still pay the registration fee as per Appendix 2K.
Registration Validity
- Registration can be applied for not earlier than 60 days before the expected date of arrival.
- Once granted, the registration number remains valid for 75 days.

Detailed Comparison: Old vs. New Policy

Chapter	Previous Requirement	New Requirement
74 & 76	Registration before arrival of consignment	Registration before final clearance / ‘Out of Charge’
74 & 76	Validity: 75 days	Validity: 75 days
74 & 76	Application not earlier than 60 days before arrival	Application not earlier than 60 days before arrival

Impact on Importers

Easier Compliance: Importers now have more flexibility and time to complete the registration process, reducing the risk of delays due to late registration.
Smoother Clearance: The amendment is expected to facilitate smoother and faster customs clearance for non-ferrous metal imports.
No Change in Fee or Validity: The registration fee and validity period remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in the process.

Steps for Importers

Submit Advance Information: Use the online NFMIMS portal to provide details of the intended import.
Pay Registration Fee: As per Appendix 2K.
Obtain Registration Number: This can now be done any time before the final customs clearance.
Ensure Validity: Make sure the registration is within the 75-day validity window and applied for not earlier than 60 days before the expected arrival.

Conclusion

This amendment reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating trade and reducing procedural bottlenecks. Importers of copper and aluminium should update their compliance processes to take advantage of the new, more flexible registration timeline.

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Source: DGFT

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