India Bans Import Of Laptops, Tablets, And PCs: What's Allowed And What's Not?
India has introduced an immediate import restriction on laptops, tablets, and personal computers. While the government may have done this to promote local manufacturing, the new regulation could have unpredictable effects in the near-future.
What's allowed and what's not?
Now, any company that seeks to bring electronic devices from abroad for sale would have to secure a "Valid Licence for Restricted Imports" in India. All notable brands will be affected by this move, including Apple, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Samsung, and more. Now, these companies would have to stop import activities for devices coming to the Indian market.
Most laptops and personal computers currently available in India originate from China. The government seemingly wants to urge companies to ramp up their production capabilities in India with this new restriction.
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The directive was made public by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, signalling a shift in how India perceives import of electronics. "Import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, and Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be 'Restricted' and their import would be allowed against a valid Licence for Restricted Imports," the notice said.
But what happens to people who wish to buy laptops abroad and bring them home??
People who bring one laptop, tablet, a personal computer, or a small form factor computer in their baggage to India from a foreign country will not have to worry. This exemption is valid on items from e-commerce platforms and those shipped via courier or post.
Import licenses also allow an exemption for up to 20 items per shipment - especially?for research, testing, repair, re-export, product development, and testing. Such imports are allowed so far they're used solely for their stated purposes and not sold.
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In essence, people can bring a laptop and tab from a foreign country to India but they cannot resell it. People would be required to pay customs duty charges for bringing these devices to India. But if one buys up to 20 items, then they'll be required to provide the reasons mentioned above for importing those to India.
Once the purpose appears fulfilled, users would have to re-export or destroy the devices bought to India in large numbers.
What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
