Overview of CHIMS Registration

Import of Integrated Circuits must require mandatory registration under the Chip Import Monitoring System (CHIMS) as per the DGFT, Directorate General of Foreign Trade. It applies to all the importers in India importing different electrical circuits such as integrated circuits, processors, computer chips, etc. CHIMS is introduced by the government of India to improve the internal structure and manufacturing business of electrical goods. Chip Import Monitoring System (CHIMS) is a new import policy for importers.

Following are the products for which the CHIMS Registration is important:

• 85423100: Electronic integrated circuits- Processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, logic circuits, amplifiers, converters, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits)
• 85423200: Electronic integrated circuits-memories
• 85423300: Electronic integrated circuits-amplifiers
• 85423900: Electronic integrated circuits-others
• 85429000: Parts

Without the CHIMS Registration, one cannot get custom clearance for the consignment. The importer must apply for such registration 60 days prior to the scheduled arrival date of the import consignment. DGFT has revised the Import policy condition of ITC (HS) 85423100, 85423200, 85423300, 85423900 and 85429000 from free to free subject to compulsory registration under this Chip Importing Monitoring System. For each shipment, a separate registration is required. However, DGFT has clarified that an importer can include multiple products with one registration.

The latest notification was issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) regarding this Chip Import Monitoring System (CHIMS) on 27th June 2022.

Benefits of having CHIMS Registration

Followings are the benefits that an importer with the CHIMS Registration can enjoy:

• Without CHIMS Registration, one cannot get custom clearance for electronic goods
• Not having CHIMS Registration may attract some punitive actions against the importer or their business.
• Promote domestic manufacturing
• Improve internal structure and manufacturing business of electrical goods and industry
• Importing goods without CHIMS Registration can result in huge penalties.
• Protection of reputation and credibility of importer businesses.

Documents Required for CHIMS Registration

Following are important documents required for obtaining the CHIMS Registration:

• Unique Registration Number (URN)
• Import and Export Code (IEC)
• Contact details, including Email and mobile number
• Bank account details
• Proof of address
• BIS Certification
• Details of Exporter, including name, address and country
• Country of origin
• Purpose of import
• Expected date of import
• HSN Code and its description
• Type of IC
• IC Number
• Technical details
• Quantity of import
• CIF value of import
• Other mandatory documents.

Procedure for CHIMS Registration

Following are the necessary steps to be followed while obtaining CHIMS Registration:

• Applicant importer is required to submit all the required documents and information at the time of applying for CHIMS Registration.
• An importer must apply for this CHIMS Registration at least 60 days prior to the expected arrival date of the imported consignment.
• The CHIMS registration can be made on the same day of the arrival of the import.
• An automatic number is granted to the applicant importer, which is valid for a period of 75 days.
• The registration fee is paid by the applicant importer on the aggregate CIF value of imports.
• Registration number and expiry date of the same in the Bill are provided to enable the Customs to clearance of the import consignment.
• Applications are found to be incomplete, and then the same is provided for review and further action.
• Changes in the application need to be amended or updated by the applicant importer.
• Applicant importer who fails to provide valid details or, if found to give incorrect details then it will attract punitive action, including the FTDR Act, 1992.
• If the application provided by the applicant importer is without any error, then it is approved for the required CHIMS Registration.