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Notice of Steel Import Licensing Changes

***IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE STEEL IMPORT LICENSING PLATFORM***

Dear Steel License Applicants: 

Today, September 11, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a final rule modifying the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system regulations and accompanying SIMA website, including the steel license application and public monitor.  See the Federal Register Notice.  The new requirements will take effect on October 13, 2020. 

In addition to modifying SIMA’s regulations (19 CFR Part 360), we are launching a new steel license application and updating our platform for the first time in over 10 years.  Because there will be a new license registration/application process, we have prepared a website to introduce the new look and features of the modernized system.  This will assist users in transitioning to the new system.  Many of the new features of the SIMA system will improve users’ ability to manage their accounts (including resetting passwords and correcting licenses older than three months).  Please note that beginning October 13, 2020, there will be a new required field on the steel import license form requiring users to provide information about the country of melt and pour on all standard licenses (from all countries). 

The licenses from the current licensing system will be referred to as the “legacy” system licenses after October 13, 2020.  They will remain valid for entry until the date of expiration. 

Important:  The current steel import license application website will be unavailable for submitting licenses or accessing accounts from October 10-12, 2020 (three days prior to the October 13, 2020 effective date of the final rule), in order to move the legacy licenses to the new platform.  The legacy system will be unavailable after October 10.  As detailed in the final rule, Commerce will accept manual license applications on an emergency basis from October 10-12.  The new license application will be available beginning on October 13, 2020.  Therefore, please plan accordingly in applying for new steel licenses.

If your primary email address from the legacy system remains valid, all your licenses will be connected with your new account upon registration on the new platform and your transition will be seamless.  You will receive a verification code in your email to confirm your account, which you will enter to complete your registration in the new system.

If you do not receive confirmation emails when applying for licenses or your username is no longer a valid email address, please contact us immediately.  We can assist you in updating user accounts with valid email addresses.  License applicants will need a valid email address to use the new system and to maintain access to licenses from the legacy system.  If you wait until the new requirements take effect, this could delay setting up accounts on the new platform.  

We encourage you to visit the new SIMA information webpage (www.trade.gov/updates-steel-import-licensing) for information on:

  • Modifications to the SIMA System
  • Instructional Videos on How to Apply for Licenses on The New Platform
  • Information About Registering for A Demo
  • Samples of the New Licenses
  • New Product Concordance
  • Updated FAQs (including a Glossary of Terms)
  • Contact Information for SIMA team

Please consider registering for a demo of the new system.  As always, please let us know if you have questions.  Please contact us by email at steel.license@trade.gov.  If necessary, we will call you back. 

Thank you, 

The Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) team
Office of Policy
US Department of Commerce/ Enforcement and Compliance
Steel.license@trade.gov