New Delhi: On Thursday, India announced that it will restrict importing laptops and personal computers that applies to even top brands. As per the new guidelines, all foriegn brands will have to get a “Valid Licence for Restricted Imports” if they want to make sale in India.
The decision comes in effective immediately. Hence, companies like Apple, Lenovo, Acer, HP, Asus, Samsung etc will also have to obtain the licence to continue selling their articles in India.
The aim is to reduce imports from China
In a notification issued on Thursday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said import license will now be up to 20 items per consignment for the purpose of research and testing, evaluation, benchmarking, development. This will be applicable on repair and return and product development.
The government took the decision with the aim to reduce imports from countries like China. A notification was released by the government saying, “The import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and servers has been put under the category of ‘restricted’ with immediate effect.”
Import will be allowed with valid license
The DGFT notification stated that micro computers, large computers and certain data processing machines have also been placed in the category of import restrictions. It said that import of these products would be permitted subject to valid licence.
However, these restrictions will not apply under the baggage rule. The notification said, ‘Laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, purchased through e-commerce portal, products ordered by post or courier will be exempted from the requirement of import license.
