Relief to Global Manufactures: Govt likely to defer Import Curbs on Laptop and Tablets

In a major relief to the industry, the government is said to have scrapped plans to impose licencing requirements for the import of IT hardware products such as laptops, tablets, servers, and so on, even in the long run, which will be welcomed by global manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung, and Asus.

Importers must currently register their organisation and import data in an online portal called Import Management System, which is being developed by the government. According to sources, after September 30, 2024, the government will review the authorisation norms and gradually reduce the import quota for finished products.

On a case-by-case basis, the government may consider quota relief. It is also anticipated that the government will issue a standard operating procedure in this regard.

Since the Union Commerce Ministry announced restrictions on the import of laptops, PCs, tablets, and other related items on August 4, the industry has been pleading with the government for relief. To import PCs, laptops, tablets, and servers, computer manufacturers will need a valid licence and will have to pay a duty, according to the ministry.

This follows a consultation with representatives from the laptop, PC, and tablet industries held on August 22 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

A Council body official familiar with the market situation stated, “We thank the government of India for holding extensive stakeholder consultations, and as discussed today, we will await clarification from the DGFT as well as written communication from the government. There are several questions that need to be answered, and we hope that the government will do so soon.”