CHIMS Registration

A CHIMS certificate is an official import authorization granted under the Chip Import Monitoring System. This system was introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It requires all incoming shipments of electronic chips, semiconductors, and related components to be registered before they arrive at Indian ports. This certificate is mandatory and must be obtained through online CHIMS registration. 

CHIMS assists the government keep updated data on chip imports, track supply trends, and plan for domestic semiconductor development. Importers are required to obtain this certificate before submitting the Bill of Entry in the ICEGATE system. Although people often refer to it as CHIM or CHIM certification, the officially recognized term remains CHIMS certificate. The registration process is straightforward and fully online through the DGFT portal.

The Chip Import Monitoring System (CHIMS) was introduced to build chip imports better organized, predictable, and data-driven. It offers policymakers, producers, and importers access to appropriate and certified import information. The CHIM system also mitigates the risk of misreporting and guarantees importers meet uniform documentation standards. Some of the key objectives are:

• Real-Time Import Data Collection: CHIMS collects real-time data on chip shipments, allowing the government to analyse import patterns, demand cycles, and global supply movements to reinforce domestic semiconductor strategies and long-term technology planning.
• Improved Supply-Chain Monitoring: The system helps authorities to track chip imports across ports and regions, identify shortages, delays, or unusual import spikes so that correction can be done initially and effectively.
• Transparency in Chip Imports: CHIMS confirms every chip importer comply with the set standards, minimizing inconsistencies and improving transparency throughout the semiconductor import ecosystem to support businesses and regulatory authorities.
• Better Policy Formulation: Reliable chip import data enables policymakers to draft targeted semiconductor policies, encourage sector investments, assign schemes, and assist India’s mission toward chip self-reliance under national manufacturing programs.
• Preventing Misreporting & Under-Invoicing: By directing pre-import registration, CHIMS reduces undervaluation of chip consignments, confirming fair trade practices and better accuracy across customs and industry reporting systems.

Why CHIMS Certificate is required?

The CHIMS certificate is necessary for all importers because it acts as a pre-import registration instrument for semiconductor and chip-related goods. Importers cannot file the Bill of Entry on ICEGAE without obtaining this certificate, which means customs clearance is not possible.

The government needs this certification to maintain a clear record of chip inflows, track supply-chain fluctuations, and avoid irregular imports. It is also required for assuring quality control and monitoring high-value, sensitive electronic items. While numerous businesses casually call it CHIM or CHIM certification, the official requirement remains CHIMS registration under the Chip Import Monitoring System.

Any entity engaged in importing chips or semiconductor components into India must complete CHIMS registration. This consist of traders, wholesalers, manufacturers, R&D companies, system integrators, electronic device makers, and organizations obtaining chips for industrial use. Whether the import is for resale, processing, assembling, or direct consumption, the CHIMS certificate is compulsory before customs documentation.

Eligible Applicants

• Companies importing electronic chips or semiconductors
• Manufacturers requiring chips for production
• R&D and electronic design units
• Wholesalers and component distributors
• System integrators and OEMs
• Entities importing goods for testing or prototypes
• Startups importing small batches for innovation projects

The Chip Import Monitoring System applies to main semiconductor products imported into India. These items fall under specific HSN codes that cover integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, and parts. Importers must secure a CHIMS certificate before getting these products into the country. Key Products include:

• 85423100: Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, with or without memory, logic circuits, amplifiers, or timing circuits
• 85423200: Electronic integrated circuits: memory chips (RAM, ROM, Flash)
• 85423300: Electronic integrated circuits: amplifier ICs
• 85423900: Other electronic integrated circuits (logic ICs, analogue ICs, SoCs, microcontrollers)
• 85429000: Parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro-assemblies
• 85411000: Diodes (excluding photosensitive types)
• 85412100: Transistors ≤1 watt
• 85412900: Other types of transistors
• 85414000: Photosensitive semiconductor devices
• 85414100: Solar cells (assembled or unassembled)
• 85414900: Other photosensitive semiconductor devices
• 85415000: Other semiconductor devices (not elsewhere specified)
• 85416000: Mounted piezo-electric crystals

The CHIMS certificate plays a crucial role in streamlining chip imports and guaranteeing compliance with government rules. As the semiconductor industry growing, CHIMS offers credible data and operational assurance to government organizations and private companies. The key benefits Include:

• Better Import Planning: Importers get access to organized data and timelines, helping them plan shipments, maintain inventory balance, and mitigate risks caused by unexpected demand changes or global chip shortages.
• Improved Compliance Tracking: The CHIMS certificate guarantees every chip shipment follows uniform rules, minimizing the chances of errors, misreporting, or documentation disputes during customs inspections or audits.
• Supports Government Policy Goals: CHIMS offers key data that supports national semiconductor missions, assisting India design targeted subsidies, investments, and manufacturing incentives for chip ecosystems.
• Higher Transparency & Accountability: The system brings clarity to chip import numbers, supplier patterns, and pricing trends, boosting reliability and promoting fair, transparent trade practices across the electronics sector.
• Enhanced Supply-Chain Stability: Appropriate chip import monitoring strengthens supply-chain predictability, enabling industries like automotive, telecom, and electronics to reduce the chances of disruptions and maintain consistent production cycles.

Applying for a CHIMS certificate is an online process can be done through the DGFT portal. Importers are required to fill in correct shipment details such as HS code, port of import, invoice value, and supplier information. The process is simple, quick, and usually completed within minutes. Following is the step by step guide:

• Register on the DGFT Portal: Start by logging in using your IEC and link the business credentials on the DGFT platform for CHIMS registration process for upcoming chip consignments.
• Select the CHIMS Service: Select the Chip Import Monitoring System section from the import management services and start a new application by mentioning shipment details correctly as per supplier documents.
• Enter Import Information: Mention item description, HS code, and invoice number, port of import, unit quantity, and approximate shipment date to create a structured application for the CHIMS certificate.
• Upload Required Documents: Attach commercial invoice details or any required import information to ensure the application is complete and compliant with CHIM certification requirements.
• Pay the Registration Fee: Use the online payment access to submit the CHIMS fee, once the payment is successful, the application moves forward for automatic approval in most cases.
• Download the CHIMS Certificate: After approval, download the CHIMS Registration Number (CRN), it must be submitted during customs filing before creating the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE.

To complete CHIMS registration, importers must offer correct shipment and business details. These documents help evaluate the authenticity of the importer and make sure compliance with DGFT’s Chip Import Monitoring System rules. In most cases, nominal paperwork is needed, making the registration simpler for all types of businesses. Below is the list of required Documents:

• IEC (Import Export Code)
• Company PAN
• Commercial invoice
• Supplier details (name, country)
• HS code and product description
• Estimated port of import
• Tentative shipment arrival date
• Authorised signatory details

A CHIMS certificate is usually valid for 75 days from the date of registration. The importer must make sure that the shipment reaches within the time period, as the certificate cannot be used once it expires. In such cases, a new registration is needed. The CHIMS Registration Number must match the items and invoice details mentioned during customs filing. Any modification in shipment timelines may need a new application under the Chip Import Monitoring System.

The fee for CHIMS registration is Rs 1 per HS code, with a minimum charge of Rs 100 and a maximum of Rs 500 per application. This fee should be paid online at the time of the CHIMS certificate request submission. The cost is same for all importers irrespective of shipment value, port, or country of origin.

Corpseed is a top consulting firm known for assisting businesses obtain regulatory approvals with accuracy, speed, and complete peace of mind. Our team ensures your licensing process stays simple, compliant, and stress-free from start to finish.

• Expert Guidance: Our specialists understand every step of the registration and licensing process. We prepare documents, check compliance, and ensure your application is filed correctly the very first time.
• End-to-End Support: From application drafting to approval, we manage the entire workflow so you save time, avoid confusion, and get your certificate without unnecessary delays.
• Compliance-Ready Approach: We ensure your business meets all regulatory, safety, and documentation standards, reducing the chances of rejection or penalties.
• Proactive Tracking & Updates: Our team keeps a close watch on your application, follows up with authorities, and keeps you updated until the license is successfully approved.