Government asks companies to apply for new approvals for laptop imports in 2025
India said Tuesday that companies will have to apply for new permits to import laptops and tablets from January 1, 2025. Guidelines will be issued soon.
In November 2023, the country launched an “import management system,” which requires companies to register the quantity and value of their imported laptops and tablets with the government.
The government said at the time that the data would be used to monitor imports. The system, which expires this month, has been extended until the end of the year.
“Importers will need to apply for new permits for the period beginning January 1, 2025, subject to detailed guidance to be provided shortly,” a government notice issued on Tuesday said.
India announced the new system for laptops, tablets, PCs and servers after it reversed an earlier plan to impose a licensing system that required companies like Apple, Dell and HP to obtain licenses for imported laptops and tablets.
The laptop licensing policy, seen as a trade restriction, was rolled back after criticism from the industry and Washington.
The policy was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and ensure a reliable supply chain as India still relies on imports for such electronics.
Reuters reported in March that India had rolled back its laptop licensing policy after lobbying from U.S. officials who were concerned about New Delhi’s compliance with WTO obligations and new rules it might impose.
“India’s repeated delay in implementing import restrictions on laptops, likely due to US concerns, must stop,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of Global Trade Research Initiative, a renowned Delhi-based think tank.
According to Indian government data, imports of laptops and personal computers amounted to $1.7 billion (approximately Rs 14,212 crore) between April and July.
India last year approved applications from companies including Dell under a federal subsidy scheme for local production of laptops, tablets and personal computers.
© Thomson Reuters 2024
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