Tech Giants Request Extension of Deadline for Laptop Import Regulations

Top consumer electronics companies such as HP, Apple and Dell have urged the government to extend the November 1 license deadline for PCs, laptops and tablets by at least a year because of the time it takes to set up and install manufacturing/assembly units. according to the new guidelines.

In a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Tuesday, which was also attended by leading industry bodies Manufacturing Association of IT Hardware (MAIT) and India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), sources said technology companies conveyed that they need more time to set up manufacturing units in the country.

According to reports, around 44 companies, including some leading global players, have applied for incentives under the Hardware Production Linked Incentives (PLI) 2.0 scheme.

According to the announcement of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a valid limited import permit is required for customs clearance of import shipments from November 1, 2023.

The government has told technology companies that the restrictions are not intended to ban imports but to promote exports through domestic manufacturing, according to industry representatives who attended the meeting.

Talouslehti was the first to report on the development.

The State Council previously postponed its decision to limit the import of certain laptops and computers to November 1, giving companies three months to import.

After November 1, no entity will be allowed to import laptops, computers and related products without a license.

“Import shipments may be cleared through customs until October 31, 2023 without a restricted import permit,” the notice said, adding that liberal transitional arrangements will be announced for the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and servers. until October 31.

This is a partial reversal of its August 3 order that had placed import restrictions on these devices with immediate effect.

The Center has said that the restrictions have been imposed for security reasons and also to promote the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.