Import Licensing Of Laptops, Computers Will Be Effective From November 1

The government in a late-night decision announced the licensing mandate for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers is now effective from November 1.

"Import consignments can be cleared till 31 October without a license for restricted imports. For clearance of import consignments with effect from November 1, a valid License for Restricted imports is required," said the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Government of India.

The government imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and certain types of computers with immediate effect for security reasons and the need to promote domestic manufacturing. The move will also curtail inbound shipments of these goods from countries like China and Korea.

The decision will also spur domestic manufacturing, at a time when India has identified electronics manufacturing as a key priority area for its future growth ambitions and is hoping to attract investments from global biggies looking to diversify their operations outside China.

Under PLI 2.0 IT hardware scheme, 44 companies have already been registered and two companies have filed their application on the scheme portal by July 31, 2023. The companies can submit applications till August 30, 2023. Sources said two companies, including HP, have already applied under the PLI scheme.

Further, sources said that licences can be taken for one year and added that companies can apply multiple times, and multiple units can apply for licences as well. DGFT has prepared a portal for companies/traders to apply online for the licence.

IT Ministry sources said that the scale-up of domestic production will lead to lower hardware prices for consumers.