Indian Compliance
CHIMS Registration Explained: What CHIMS Was and What Chemical Importers Actually Need
Many importers search for "CHIMS registration" thinking it is a chemical import licence. It is not. CHIMS stood for Chip Imports Monitoring System, a DGFT registration for imports of semiconductor chips, and it was discontinued in November 2024.
There is no separate "Chemical Import Monitoring System" in India. If you import chemicals, what you need depends on the chemical: an IEC, possibly a BIS licence, hazardous chemical compliance under the MSIHC Rules and, for some products, registrations such as CIB and RC. This guide explains each.
What Was CHIMS?
- Purpose: to monitor imports of semiconductor chips, including memory and integrated circuits, under specified tariff lines
- Run by: DGFT, similar to SIMS for steel and NFMIMS for non-ferrous metals
- How it worked: importers registered each consignment online and quoted the registration number in the bill of entry
- Status: discontinued in November 2024. No CHIMS number is needed now
What Chemical Importers Actually Need
| Requirement | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Importer Exporter Code (IEC) | All imports |
| BIS licence under a Quality Control Order | Chemicals and polymers covered by a current QCO |
| MSIHC Rules compliance | Hazardous chemicals listed in the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 |
| CIB and RC registration | Insecticides and pesticides under the Insecticides Act, 1968 |
| Other controls | Narcotic precursors, ozone-depleting substances, restricted items under the ITC (HS) import policy |
1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Every importer needs an IEC from DGFT. It is a one-time registration, updated every year. See our IEC registration service.
2. BIS Quality Control Orders for chemicals
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has brought various chemicals and polymers under Quality Control Orders. For those products, the foreign manufacturer must hold a BIS licence under FMCS before goods can be imported. Several of these QCOs have since been withdrawn or deferred, so check the current status of your exact chemical before ordering. Our FMCS guide explains the licence process.
3. MSIHC Rules for hazardous chemicals
If your chemical is listed in the schedules to the MSIHC Rules, 1989, the importer must give the authorities advance information about the import, provide safety data, keep records and follow labelling and storage rules. A complete safety data sheet (SDS or MSDS) is essential.
4. CIB and RC registration
Insecticides, pesticides and their technical grade materials need registration with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee before import.
5. Other controls
- Narcotic precursors need permission from the Narcotics Control Bureau
- Ozone-depleting substances need licences under the ODS rules
- Restricted items under the ITC (HS) import policy need a DGFT licence
Step-by-Step: Before Your First Chemical Import
- Get the HS code and CAS number for the chemical.
- Check the ITC (HS) import policy for that HS code: free, restricted or prohibited.
- Check for a current QCO and confirm your supplier's BIS licence if one applies.
- Check the MSIHC schedules and prepare information and the SDS.
- Check special registrations, such as CIB and RC or NCB.
- Prepare customs documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading, SDS, certificate of analysis and any licences.
Common Mistakes
- Looking for a CHIMS certificate for chemicals. It never covered chemicals, and it no longer exists.
- Assuming a QCO is still in force. Check the latest notification.
- Incomplete SDS. Customs and ports often hold hazardous cargo without one.
- Wrong HS code. It changes which rules apply.
How Instacertify Helps
We map every requirement for your chemical, from IEC and import policy to BIS, MSIHC and special registrations, and handle the filings. See our chemical registration service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of CHIMS?
CHIMS stands for Chip Imports Monitoring System. It was an online registration system run by DGFT for imports of semiconductor chips under certain tariff lines.
Is CHIMS registration still required?
No. CHIMS was discontinued in November 2024, so no CHIMS registration number is needed for chip imports now.
Is there a Chemical Import Monitoring System in India?
No scheme by that name exists. The phrase is a common mix-up with CHIMS. Chemical imports are controlled through other rules, such as the MSIHC Rules, BIS Quality Control Orders and the Insecticides Act.
What registrations do chemical importers need in India?
An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) for all imports, plus product-specific requirements: BIS certification for chemicals under a Quality Control Order, information and safety data for hazardous chemicals under the MSIHC Rules, and CIB and RC registration for insecticides.
Do all chemicals need BIS certification?
No. Only chemicals covered by a current Quality Control Order need a BIS licence. Several chemical and polymer QCOs have been withdrawn, so check the current list for your product.
Is an MSDS required for chemical imports?
Yes for hazardous chemicals. A safety data sheet is needed under the MSIHC Rules and is routinely asked for by customs, ports and buyers.