Government can defer computer, laptop import ban by six months

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The government had decided to impose import restrictions on the free import of computers, laptops, and tablets on Thursday, a decision that could be postponed for six months. The computer and laptop industry in the country has not welcomed this decision and has requested the government to defer this decision. The report suggests that the government might take a decision soon regarding the industry’s demand to lift the ban. The import ban could be postponed for 3-6 months.

At the domestic level, the government had imposed import restrictions on the free import of computers, laptops, and tablets to promote their production, although companies can still import electronis with a license. The majority of computers, laptops, and tablet imports in India come from China, and due to the increasing imports from China, India’s trade deficit is rising. Keeping this in mind, the government has decided to impose a ban on 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 accounted for imports from China alone. Similarly, in the previous year, the import of computers was valued at $1.36 billion. This included $920 million worth of computers imported from China. The situation is similar in the case of supercomputers and other personal computers.

After the government’s decision, companies like Apple and Samsung have currently halted imports. These companies will only import after obtaining import licenses. On the other hand, many businesses have also seeked clarification on the government’s decision. The government has imposed a ban on the import of items falling under HSN code 8471, which includes most of the products like computers, laptops, and tablets.