The Indian government has restricted the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers with immediate effect. Although the notification doesn’t confirm why this decision has been taken, we can assume that it is to boost local manufacturing of these products in the country.
Current regulations allow companies to freely import laptops into the country and sell them. The licensing requirement for imports will also delay the launch of new models in the country.
“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.” Reads the notice.
The government said that it exempts the import of up to 20 such items per consignment for the purpose of R&D, Testing, and evaluation repair. It has also exempted the import of 1 Laptop, Tablet, All-in-one Personal Computer, or Ultra small form factor Computer, including products purchased from e-commerce portals through post or courier.
The ministry also clarified that the license for restricted imports will not be required for the repair and return of these items.
This move will surely benefit contract manufacturers in the country. Dixon Technologies, one of such contract manufacturers, saw a rise of 7% in share prices.
According to government data, Laptops, tablets, and personal computers account account for around 1.5% of India’s total annual imports. Most tables, computers, and laptops are imported into the country and nearly half of the imports are from China.
