Centre likely to delay laptop, PC import ban for 3-4 months

This potential extension aims to provide these manufacturers with a smoother transition, as revealed by sources familiar with the matter speaking to Moneycontrol.

This development follows Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar's tweet earlier, indicating the likelihood of a transition period with further details to be announced soon. This announcement brings relief to manufacturers who were taken aback by the sudden notification and were seeking clarity on its scope and specifics.

As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries on August 3, computer manufacturers will now be required to possess a valid license and pay duties for importing items such as PCs, laptops, tablets, and servers.

However, there will be an exception for import licenses, allowing up to 20 items per consignment for purposes such as research and development, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repair, re-export, and product development.

In the meantime, the Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology (MAIT), an industry group comprising major laptop, personal computer (PC), and server manufacturers like Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, Asus, and others, is in the process of preparing its representation to be submitted to the government on August 5, said the Moneycontrol report.

The association is aiming to advocate for an extension of at least six months for the implementation of these regulations, it said.

On August 4, Chandrasekhar provided clarification, stating that the regulation of laptop imports is not an implementation of strict licensing controls, but rather a measure to ensure the utilization of reliable and verifiable hardware and systems within the Indian technology ecosystem.

He further emphasized that the government's primary goal with this initiative is "to guarantee the use of trustworthy hardware and systems, minimize reliance on imports, and boost domestic manufacturing within this product category."