India restricts the import of laptops, computers, and tablets with immediate effect

Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notice, the central government on 31st August restricted imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers under HSN 8471 with immediate effect. It stated that “Import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, and Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be ‘Restricted’. Their import would be allowed against a valid Licence for Restricted Imports.”

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said, “The said Restriction shall not apply to Imports under Baggage Rules, as amended from time to time." It added, “Exemption from Import Licencing requirements is provided for Import of 1 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 shall be subject to payment of duty as applicable. The government said that the exemption from impart licence is provided for up to 20 such items per consignment for R&D (Research and Development) Testing Benchmarking and evaluation repair and re-export, and product development purposes.

The Ministry added, “Given imports shall be allowed subject to the condition that the imported goods shall be used for the stated purposes only and will not be sold. Further, after the intended purpose, the products would either be destroyed beyond use or re-exported.”

The Ministry clarified that the licence for restricted imports shall not be required for the repair and return of said items. “Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, and Ultra small farm factor Computers and Servers which are an essential part of a Capital Good shall be exempted from the import licencing requirements.”

Apple Inc, Lenovo, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Dell, Acer, and HP Inc are some of the key companies selling laptops and electronic gadgets in the Indian market and a substantial portion are imported from countries such as China.