On September 11th, The U.S. Department of Commerce published a final rule in the Federal Register modifying the requirements for obtaining steel licenses through the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) website.
As of October 13th, the country that the steel was melted and poured will become a mandatory data element for steel from all countries.
In addition to the new data elements, the web-based platform will be updated. The updates also include a greater ability manage your company’s account, including the ability to reset passwords and correct licenses that are more than three months old.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has created a website for companies seeking more information on these changes. This website contains instructional videos and the opportunity to register for a virtual demonstration.
Please note that the Federal Register publication states, “Licenses requested on or before October 9, 2020, must meet the requirements of the existing SIMA system and utilize the online license application platform on the existing SIMA system website. The existing SIMA system website will no longer be operational beginning on October 10, 2020, and the new SIMA system website will not be operational until October 13, 2020. Therefore, no licenses can be obtained via the online license application platform from October 10 through October 12, 2020. For information on registering for the new SIMA system and obtaining licenses manually from October 10 through 12, 2020.â€
If your company does not create steel licenses, please be sure to include the country of melt and pour on your shipment documentation.
If you have questions regarding the new process, please contact the Willson U.S. Regulatory Team at transitionus@willsonintl.com or call 716.260.1580 option 4 and our staff will be happy to assist.