Weeks after facing criticism, The Indian government said it will not impose restrictions on laptop imports.
Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal said The Indian government has decided to roll back its earlier plan to impose restrictions on laptop import.
Facing criticism from the industry
The development comes after the Indian government faced criticism from industry players, citizens, as well as the US.
“India will not impose restrictions on laptop imports,” Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal told a press conference on Friday. He said the government “only wants importers to be on close watch.”
It’s worth noting that shortly after the government announced its decision to impose restrictions, key industry stakeholders, including Apple and Google, called on the US government, seeking their intervention in the matter.
The companies asked the US government to use every available forum to push India to reconsider implementing the import restriction policy on IT hardware and launch a formal stakeholder consultation to solicit recommendations from the industry.
The government’s restriction on laptop imports
In August 2023, the Indian government imposed immediate restrictions on importing laptops, tablets, and personal computers in the HSN 8741 category.
The central authority had said that the import of restricted items would be permitted only with a valid license. However, these curbs will not apply to imports under Baggage Rules, as previously stated by the government.
The government is holding consultations with the industry
The policy, which was introduced in August 2023, was delayed following criticism that it would significantly impact the businesses of companies like Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo.
The government is holding consultations with the industry and a new order on laptop imports will be announced by the end of October, Directorate General of Foreign Trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi said.
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