DGFT Relaxes NFMIMS Registration Timeline for Copper & Aluminium Importers

DGFT NFMIMS Registration Update: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced an important change for importers of Copper and Aluminium. Under the latest notification, importers can now complete NFMIMS Registration anytime before Customs grants the “Out of Charge” order. This amendment provides greater flexibility, reduces compliance pressure, and helps businesses achieve smoother customs clearance while ensuring mandatory registration requirements are fulfilled.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has simplified the NFMIMS Registration process for importers of Copper and Aluminium through Notification No. 22/2026-27 dated 30 June 2026.

What’s New?

Earlier, NFMIMS Registration had to be completed before the import shipment arrived in India. Under the revised rule, importers can now complete the registration any time before Customs grants the “Out of Charge” order.

"Infographic explaining the latest DGFT NFMIMS registration update for copper and aluminium imports. It compares the earlier rule, which required NFMIMS registration before shipment arrival, with the revised rule allowing registration anytime after shipment arrival and before Customs grants the 'Out of Charge' order. The visual includes a shipment timeline, cargo ship, port operations, customs officer, and import documentation to illustrate the updated registration process."

Key Benefits

More flexibility for importers.
Reduced compliance pressure before shipment arrival.
Smoother Customs clearance with fewer documentation delays.
Better plan

Important Points

NFMIMS Registration remains mandatory.
Registration must be completed before the “Out of Charge” order is issued by Customs.
Registration can still be filed up to 60 days before the expected arrival date and remains valid for 75 days.

**"Infographic highlighting important DGFT NFMIMS registration points for copper and aluminium imports. It explains that NFMIMS registration remains mandatory, Customs issues the 'Out of Charge' order, registration must be completed before customs clearance, and registration can be filed up to 60 days in advance with a validity of 75 days. The visual includes shipping, port logistics, customs, and import documentation icons to illustrate the updated NFMIMS registration requirements."**

Conclusion

This amendment is a welcome relief for Copper and Aluminium importers. While the registration requirement continues, the extended timeline makes compliance easier and helps avoid unnecessary delays during Customs clearance.

DGFT simplified the NFMIMS registration timeline.