New Delhi: In the latest move to push make in India initiative, the government has restricted imports of laptops, tablets and personal computers with immediate effect, however, imports would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a notification on Thursday stated that, “import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers and servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be ‘restricted’ and their import would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.”
Reportedly, electronics imports during April-June, which include laptops, tablets, and personal computers, reached $19.7 billion, marking a 6.25% year-on-year increase.
Imported goods falling under Baggage Rules will be exempt from the imposed restrictions. Travellers entering or leaving India are subject to specific customs checks known as Baggage Rules.
Previously, the import of these items was unrestricted under the policy.
Key companies such as Dell, Acer, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Apple Inc, Lenovo, and HP Inc are significant players in the Indian laptop market, with a considerable portion of their products imported from countries like China.
The government stated that obtaining a license for restricted imports is mandatory when re-importing goods repaired abroad. This rule applies to products that need repair and return.