The Indian government has extended the existing approval system for importing certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, until 31 December 2024. The extension, announced on Tuesday, allows importers to continue applying for import authorisations until the year-end, with the current deadline set for review on 30 September.
According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), importers holding valid authorisations up to 30 September will have their permissions extended through 31 December. From 1 January 2025, new authorisations will be required, with detailed guidance expected to be provided by the government soon.
India’s IT hardware imports, valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2023-24, primarily come from China. This figure is lower than the authorised import value of USD 9.5 billion for the same period. The government first introduced restrictions on importing laptops, tablets, personal computers, and servers on 3 August 2023, citing concerns over market supply and import management.
The system was implemented after concerns from the industry, with the government aiming to monitor incoming shipments without disrupting market availability. Importers can apply for multiple authorisations, valid until the end of September 2024.
On 1 November 2023, the government approved over 100 import applications, including those from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo, for IT hardware products worth nearly USD 10 billion. This marked the first day of the new import system, which applies to laptops, personal computers, large computers, and data processing machines. The system is seen as part of India’s efforts to ensure a trusted supply chain and reduce dependency on China.
India’s personal computer imports, including laptops, dropped to USD 5.33 billion in 2022-23 from USD 7.37 billion in 2021-22.
The government’s move aligns with its broader goal of bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign imports, especially from China.
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