Government bans import of laptops-tablets and personal-computers: this is expected to encourage Make in India program and local manufacturing.

The Government of India has banned the import of laptops, tablets and personal computers with immediate effect. The government has issued a notification saying that for restricted imports, imports will be allowed under valid licences.

While making major changes in the foreign trade policy, the central government has taken this important decision. This is expected to promote the Make in India program and local manufacturing of the government.

Import will be allowed under valid license

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in the notification, ‘Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra small form factor computers and servers falling under HSN 8741 will be prohibited. Whereas for restricted imports, import will be allowed under valid license.

Import restrictions under baggage rules will not apply

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in the notification that restrictions on imports under baggage rules will not apply. Baggage rules mean that every passenger entering or exiting Indian territory has to undergo checking under customs. That is, import restrictions will not apply to such passengers.

The ministry said that import of a laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer or ultra small form factor computer will be allowed under the import licensing requirements. Which also includes items purchased through post or courier from e-commerce portals. Import will be subject to payment of applicable duty.

Discount will be given on import of 20 items

Exemption from import license will also be given for 20 such items in every consignments for research and development, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repairing and re-export and product development purposes. These imports will be permitted only on the basis that they will be used for the said purposes and will not be sold.

The ministry said that once the purpose is served, the products will be destroyed before use or re-exported. “In respect of re-import of goods repaired abroad, no Restricted Imports license shall be required for repair and return of the said items,” the notification said.

The order states that laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra small form factor computers and servers, all form an essential part of capital goods. All these goods will be exempted from import licensing requirements.