The Government of India has banned the import of laptops, tablets and personal computers with immediate effect. The government has given information about this by issuing a notification. Banning the import of a product means that a license or government permission will be necessary to bring those products from abroad.
This is expected to promote the Make in India program and local manufacturing of the government. This decision will benefit local manufacturers and such foreign companies, who are continuously producing in the country, promoting local supply and also exporting to other countries. Dell and HP are among the companies that already have manufacturing facilities in India.
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.' However, this restriction will not apply to passengers who are carrying these items in their baggage.
Apart from this, this restriction will not apply even on importing a laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer or ultra small form factor computer. This also includes items purchased through post or courier from e-commerce portals. The fees that are charged on import will have to be paid. The central government has taken this decision while making changes in the foreign trade policy.
Import of 20 such items in each consignment for the purpose of research and development, testing, evaluation, repair and re-export and product development will be exempted. These imports will be allowed only on the basis that they will be used for these purposes. These products cannot be sold.
The ministry said that once the purpose is served, the products will have to be destroyed before use or re-exported. It has also been said in the notification, 'No license will be required for repair and return of restricted products.'
