Government Offers Transition Period for New Import Licensing Regime on Laptops, Tablets, and PCs.
Following the recent introduction of a licensing requirement for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers, the government has decided to provide a “transition period” for companies to adjust to the new regulations.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of State for IT & Electronics, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, reassured the industry that a transition period would be granted, and further details would be notified soon.
In response to criticisms, the minister stated on Twitter, “The government’s objective is to ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependence, and increase domestic manufacturing of this category of products.” He clarified that the move was not about reviving a “license raj” but rather aimed at regulating imports to ensure trusted and verified systems are used within India’s technology ecosystem, whether imported or domestically manufactured.
On August 4, the government added laptops, tablets, and personal computers to a list of restricted imports, which already included items like tires, television sets, and air conditioners. Now, imports of these items will require a license from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT). The move is seen as an effort to enhance security and only permit imports from “trusted sources,” with a focus on potential security-related issues and data compromise. China, South Korea, and Vietnam are among the major sources of such imports.
The DGFT has outlined exemptions for personal baggage, online personal imports (limited to one piece), research purposes (up to 20 items), and capital goods.
