The Commerce Department published their final ruling on updates to the SIMA system on 11 September 2020. The final rule codifies the proposed changes first published in March 2020.

Applicants seeking a steel import license must now identify both the product’s country of origin and the country where the steel used in the manufacturing of the product was melted and poured. All imports subject to Section 232 tariffs will now require the import license.

The Commerce Department also unveiled plans for a new online SIMA platform to be launched on 13 October 2020. The platform will offer users free data analysis tools that will help identify changing trade patterns and import surges.

“These significant improvements to SIMA will enable Commerce and the public to more readily identify transshipment and circumvention involving steel imports,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

To read more on the ruling and the new SIMA platform, click here.