Department of Commerce Launched Enhanced Steel Import Monitoring System

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) rolled out updated Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system. The final rule brings in substantial modifications to the existing rules pertaining to imports of steel products into the country.

The updated system require applicants of steel import licenses to identify not only the country of origin, but also the country where steel used in the manufacture of the imported product was melted and poured. The scope of steel products subject to the licensing requirement will be extended to include all products subject to Section 232 tariffs. Furthermore, the SIMA system will be extended indefinitely. Also, existing low-value license requirement for certain steel entries up to $5,000 will be codified.

The effective date for the new rules is fixed as October 13, 2020. This essentially means that all licenses requested on or after that date must meet the requirements of this rule, said DOC press release. The existing SIMA system website will no longer be operational beginning on October 10, 2020. The new website will become operational only on October 13, 2020. Thus, no online licenses could be obtained from October 10 through October 12.

The proposed modifications were published on 30^th March this year, for which 15 comments were received.

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