Govt imposes import restrictions on laptops, tablets with immediate effect

The government on Thursday imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra small form factor computers and servers with immediate effect. The restrictions are brought in to promote local manufacturing.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said that exemption from import licensing is provided for up to 20 items per consignment for R&D, testing, benchmarking and evaluation, repair and return, product development purposes.

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The move is expected to cut imports from countries like China.

"Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers, servers falling under HSN 8741 is 'restricted' with immediate effect," it said.

Products under restrictions need license or permission from the government. However, there would be an exemption from the import Licencing requirements for the 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. Imports will be subject to payment of duty as applicable.

Meanwhile, this restriction would not be applicable for imports under the Baggage Rules. Baggage Rules refer to the checks every passenger entering or leaving Indian border has to pass under Customs.