In a notification on August 3, the central government has placed restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and computers with immediate effect, said the Ministry of Commerce. A day later, Govt postponed this decision, but also announced imposition of licenses to import laptops.
This means, buying imported laptops will now become expensive.
Indian Government Imposes Curbs On Import of Laptops, Tablets, and Computers
Further, adding that the import would be allowed against a valid license for restricted imports.
The notification stated that “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 License for Restricted Imports.”
It has noted that the restriction shall not be applicable to imports under baggage rules.
The import of aforesaid items was free, as per the earlier policy.
The government has said that the exemption from import licensing requirements is provided for import of one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra small form factor computer, including those purchased from e-commerce portals, through post or courier.
It is noteworthy here that the imports shall be subject to payment of duty as applicable.
Condition For Exemption From Import License
Further, the government notification clarifies that exemption from import license is provided for up to 20 such items per consignment for the purpose of research and development, testing, benchmarking and evaluation, repair and re-export, and product development purposes.
According to the ministry, “Given imports shall be allowed subject to condition that the imported goods shall be used for the stated purposes only and will not be sold. Further, after the intended purpose, the products would either be destroyed beyond use or re-exported.”
In a media report, Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) said that the policy announcement seems to be based on the premise of providing secure digital access to the burgeoning number of digital citizens in the country.
“We are confident that valid licenses will be provided to trusted industry partners which will enable Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and unrestricted access to trusted brands for digital consumers,” he said.
The government notifications said a license for restricted imports shall not be required for repair and return of said items, in regards to re-import of goods repaired abroad.
Apart from this the laptops, tablets, PCs and ultra small form factor computers and servers which are an essential part of a Capital Good shall be exempted from the import licensing requirements.
