India Tightens Grip on Laptop Imports to boost Local Manufacturing

The Indian government has mandated an immediate restriction on imports of Laptops, Tablets, AIO PCs, and Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers in an attempt to propel brands to manufacture locally, as per the latest notification by Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Until now, the existing regulation allowed laptop and PC makers to import devices freely. But now, these companies will have to obtain a "valid license" for Restricted imports.

This isn't the first time the Indian government has put curbs on the import of electronic goods. In 2020, the government imposed a similar curb on the import of Televisions to India. Brands such as Samsung, Sony and TCL had to acquire a special license to import TVs.

Although the latest notification restricts the import of laptops, tablets, PCs and more, the restriction is not applicable to import under baggage rules.

As per the new policy, if you are importing one laptop, tablet, PC and more from e-commerce stores or by post, there isn't going to be any restriction imposed. Though, you will still have to pay the customs duty as applicable.

Furthermore, the government has also exempted brands from import licenses for up to 20 items but only for the purpose of R&D, Testing, Benchmarking, Evaluation, repair and product development.

India's electronics imports, including laptops, tablets, and personal computers, amounted to $19.7 billion from April to June, representing a 6.25% year-on-year growth. It remains to be seen how this new regulation impacts laptop and PC brands like Apple, Samsung, HP, Dell, LG, Asus, Acer, Lenovo and more.