In a strategic move to bolster transparency and operational efficiency in coal import monitoring, the Ministry of Coal has implemented a rationalised fee structure for the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS). This development is aligned with the Government’s vision of achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat and improving ease of doing business.

The CIMS is a digital platform aimed at facilitating real-time tracking of coal imports, enabling more informed policy decisions and aiding in the broader strategy of coal import substitution. Under this system, coal importers must register consignment details on the CIMS portal prior to the shipment’s arrival at any Indian port.

As of 15 April 2025, the registration fee has been standardised to a flat rate of ?500 per consignment, replacing the earlier tiered fee structure that ranged from Rs 500 to Rs 1,00,000. This rationalisation aligns CIMS with other similar platforms such as:

Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) Non-Ferrous Import Monitoring System (NFIMS) Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)

All these systems operate under a flat fee model, promoting uniformity and predictability for importers.

To comply with the updated regulation, importers must obtain an Automatic Registration Number via the CIMS portal and quote it in the Bill of Entry during customs clearance.

The Ministry of Coal reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating trade, increasing transparency, and simplifying import processes to support India’s expanding industrial and energy demands.