Government defers laptop, tablet ban by three months

The government has postponed the decision to impose restrictions of free import of computers, laptops, and tablets for a period of three months. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India has announced that starting from November 1, 2023, the import of laptops, computers, and their parts without a license will be prohibited. After this specified date, a valid license will be required for the import of such electronics. Hence, all pending orders can be processed until October 31, 2023.

Due to appeals made by stakeholders in the computer and laptop industry, the government has delayed its decision. The industry expressed disagreement through unofficial channels with the government’s decision. This caused them difficulties, prompting them to engage in discussions with the government. It should be noted that the government had initially decided to impose the ban on the free import of computers, laptops, and tablets on Thursday. To boost domestic production of electronics, the government imposed restrictions on free import, though they can still be imported with a license. Most of these electronics are imported from China, and the increasing imports from China have negatively affected India’s trade. Keeping this in mind, the government had decided to restrict the free import of these items.

During the fiscal year 2022-23, India imported laptops and tablets worth $5.33 billion, out of which $4.1 billion worth of imports were solely from China. Similarly, last year, imports of computers worth $1.36 billion included $920 million worth of computers imported from China. The situation is similar for supercomputers and other personal computers.

In response to the government’s decision, Apple and Samsung have currently halted imports. These companies will resume imports only after obtaining import licenses. The government has imposed restrictions on the import of items falling under HSN code 8471, which includes laptops, computers, and tablets.