DGFT eases NFMIMS registration rules for non‑ferrous metal imports

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has simplified the compliance framework for importers of copper and aluminium covered under Chapter 74 and Chapter 76 of the ITC (HS), 2022. Through Notification No. 22/2026-27 dated 30 June 2026, the registration requirements under the Non-ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System (NFMIMS) have been relaxed by extending the timeline within which the mandatory registration can be completed.

This policy change does not dilute the monitoring mechanism or documentation obligations. Instead, it offers additional operational leeway by allowing NFMIMS registration to be obtained any time before the final Customs clearance, rather than mandating completion strictly before the import consignment reaches the port.

Statutory basis

The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers granted to the Central Government under:

  • Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992; and
  • Paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time.

These provisions empower the Central Government to frame and modify foreign trade policy, including conditions relating to import monitoring systems such as NFMIMS.

Scope of the amendment

The changes take effect immediately from 30 June 2026 and specifically cover:

  • Chapter 74 – Policy Condition 3, sub-para (c) of the ITC(HS), 2022 (copper)
  • Chapter 76 – Policy Condition 1, sub-para (c) of the ITC(HS), 2022 (aluminium)

In both chapters, the focus is exclusively on the timing and procedural aspects of NFMIMS registration; substantive obligations to provide advance information and pay the registration fee remain intact.

How NFMIMS functioned before the amendment

Previous registration requirement

Before Notification No. 22/2026-27, the operative requirement under NFMIMS for covered items in Annexure-I (for copper) and Annexure-II (for aluminium) was as follows:

  • The assessee importing notified copper or aluminium products had to:

    • Furnish advance information through the designated online NFMIMS portal; and
    • Obtain an automatic Registration Number under NFMIMS after payment of the prescribed fee as per Appendix 2K.

  • Critically, the assessee was mandated to apply for NFMIMS registration before the arrival of the import consignment at the Customs station in India.

Advance registration timeframe

The earlier framework also prescribed a specific registration window:

  • Registration could be sought not earlier than the 60th day before the expected date of arrival of the consignment.
  • Once granted, the Registration Number remained valid for 75 days from the date of issuance.

In practice, this structure required importers to time their registration to align closely with the planned shipment schedule. Any slippage in vessel schedules or logistics could create practical difficulties, necessitating careful planning to avoid expiry of registration or non-compliance on account of goods arriving before registration.

Key changes introduced by Notification No. 22/2026-27

Revised timing for NFMIMS registration

The pivotal modification brought in by the notification relates to when the assessee must obtain the NFMIMS registration. Under the new policy:

  • The assessee must still:

    • Provide advance information online under NFMIMS for items in Annexure-I (for copper) and Annexure-II (for aluminium); and
    • Secure an automatic Registration Number by paying the applicable fee in line with Appendix 2K.

  • However, instead of insisting on registration before the arrival of the import consignment, the assessee is now required to complete registration any time before final Customs clearance / “Out of Charge” of the consignment.

Important: “Out of Charge” refers to the final Customs order permitting the goods to be removed from the Customs area after assessment, duty payment and other compliance checks.