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The country imported personal computers, including laptops, worth USD 5.33 billion in 2022-23 compared to USD 7.37 billion in 2021-22. (Representative image)
On August 3, 2023, the government began imposing import restrictions on laptops, tablets, general personal computers, microcomputers, and servers.
The government on Tuesday extended the existing system to approve the importation of certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, by three months until December 31.
The deadline for the review of this program is September 30.
This import stands at USD 8.4 billion in 2023-24 against the approval of USD 9.5 billion. Most of these imports came from China.
“It is clarified that importers are allowed to apply for import permits that will be valid until December 31, 2024. In addition, existing import authorizations issued until September 30, 2024, will continue to be valid until December 31, 2024; ” said the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a policy circular.
Importers will be required to apply for a new authorization from 1 January 2025, “according to detailed guidance to be issued soon”, it added.
On August 3, 2023, the government began imposing import restrictions on laptops, tablets, general personal computers, microcomputers, and servers.
After the industry raised concerns about the roads, the government in October last year introduced import management/licensing.
This program is intended to monitor the export of these items into the country without harming market supply.
Importers are allowed to apply for multiple authorizations and those authorizations will be valid until September 30, 2024. Authorizations will be issued for any number of shipments until September.
On November 1, 2023, the government cleared more than 100 applications, including those of Apple, Dell and Lenovo, which sought permission to import these IT hardware products worth about USD 10 billion, on the first day of the program’s implementation the new one.
The new licensing system applies to laptops, personal computers (including tablets), mini computers, mainframes or personal computers, and certain data processing equipment to ensure India’s reliable supply chain.
The country imported personal computers, including laptops, worth USD 5.33 billion in 2022-23 compared to USD 7.37 billion in 2021-22.
Commenting on the development, think tank GTRI said India’s repeated delays in implementing laptop import restrictions, possibly influenced by US concerns, should end.
“It is time for India to implement these measures and increase domestic production. Such restrictions will pressure American giants like Apple, Dell, and HP, which manufacture in China, to start operations in India,” said Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) founder Ajay Srivastava.
India has a strong case for building its own laptop manufacturing capacity, he said, adding that China controls 81 percent of the global market for PCs and laptops, and any disruption there could have global consequences.
(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published by the syndicated news agency – PTI)