CHIMS Certificate: Eligibility, Document, Procedure

Introduction

The Ministry of Electronic Information and Technology [ MEITY ] has mandated all the importers of integrated circuits in India to register under the chip import monitoring system (CHIMS). This applies to all  stakeholders importing under  the following categories 

• Electrical circuits 
• Integrated circuits 
• Processors 
• Computer chips

The CHIMS is an import policy to reinforce the domestic manufacturing of the electrical goods sector. 

Purpose 

The MEITY has addressed the purpose of  CHIMS  to gather the statistical data to develop a complete understanding of IC, the type, and quantity of  chips being imported into the country, and their respective applications in order

• to promote and support indigenous chip development efforts 
• to ensure /monitor the import of integrated circuits align with the country’s economic needs and priorities.

Mandatory 

Chims requires importers to register their chip import-related information on the online portal before shipping the product to India this information includes 

•  name of the importer 
•  country of origin of the chip 
•  quantity of chips being imported 
•  port of entry 

Eligibility Criteria for CHIMS Certificate

CHIMS shall require the importer to apply on the online portal with the requisite fee and documents.

Following are the HSN code for which the CHIMS registration is applicable

• 85423100 – electronic  integrated circuits processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, monolithic integrated circuits – digital 
• 85423200- electronic integrated circuits memories 
• 85423300- electronic integrated circuits amplifiers 
• 85423900- others; electronic integrated circuits other than memories and amplifiers 
• 85429000- parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies 

Validity of registration 

The importer can apply for registration till the date of arrival of the import consignment and the automatic registration number shall remain valid for 75 days.

Post compliance 

The importer shall have to enter the registration number and expiry date of registration in the bill of entry to enable customs clearance of the consignment.

Exemption

The following products  are excluded from  CHIMS (chip import monitoring system) as 

• The microprocessors covered under ITC  [HS] code 84733010
• memory modules under ITC [HS] code 84733099.

Document required for CHIMS Registration 

The following are the important documents required for obtaining the CHIMS Registration 

• Unique registration number [URN]
• Import and export code [IEC]
• BIS certification 
• Exporter name, address, country 
• Country of origin 
• Purpose of import 
• Port of import 
• Expected date of import 
• HSN code & description 
• Type of IC 
• IC number 
• Technical details 
• Quantity & CIF value of import 

Multiple products can be added to one application if the exporter, importer, country of origin, and port of exportation are the same.

Procedure for getting CHIMS Certification

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 before 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 75 days.
• The registration fee is paid by the applicant importer on the aggregate CIF value of imports.
• The importer shall have to enter this Registration number and expiry date in the bill of entry to enable the customs clearance of the import consignment.
• If the application provided by the applicant importer is without any error, it is approved for the required CHIMS registration.

Fees for CHIMS Registration

For registering under the CHIMS fees required will be Rs 1 per thousand subjects to a minimum of Rs.100/− and a maximum of Rs 500/- on aggregate CIF value of imports will need to be paid through electronic mode in the online system for each registration number.

 Benefits 

CHIMS registration has several benefits that are mentioned below 

• CHIMS registration is mandatory for getting customs clearance for electronic goods. 
• Promoting domestic manufacturing 
• Improves internal structure and manufacturing business of electrical goods and industry.

 A Legal consequence 

Legal action would be taken against chip importers including the action under the FTDR Act 1992 for those who fail to register under CHIMS in advance or are found to furnish wrong data in the online system.

Conclusion 

The CHIMS licensing system addresses the Indian electronic industry. CHIMS will help to ensure the availability of quality integrated circuits at competitive prices. with the increased focus on encouraging domestic electronics manufacturing, the government has renewed its focus on attracting semiconductor fabless manufacturing units in India.