Attributes in STEP file does not come along into NX when the STEP file is imported using File --> Import --> STEP214 or STEP203 with the Import to: Work Part option set.
What is wrong?
Solution
When importing a STEP file into the NX work part, a temporary part file is created during the translation behind the scene and then the temporary part file is imported into the work part, basically using the function File --> Import --> Part. As Import Part does not support attributes the attributes will be lost in the process.
If you do a File --> Import --> STEP214, (or STEP203), using the "Import to: New Part" option with solids and product data turned on, the resulting NX part file will contain the attributes.
An alternative is to use the interactive STEP translator with the "Import to: New Part" option is to use the external STEP to NX translator, (In Windows, Start --> Siemens NX --> Translators --> Step AP214 (or Step AP203)).
Notes and References
Hardware/Software Configuration
Platform: INTL64
OS: windows
OS Version: 1064
Product: NX
Application: TRANSLATOR
Version: V1899
Function: STEP_AP214
Ref: 001-7952322