Introduction

The Indian government has extended the deadline for the import of laptops and tablets without a license from October 1 to November 30, 2023. The decision was taken after industry players raised concerns about the impact of the ban on supplies and prices.

The government had earlier announced that import of laptops and tablets without a license would be banned from October 1, 2023, in a bid to promote domestic manufacturing. However, the industry had sought a six-month extension to the deadline, arguing that the ban would lead to shortages and higher prices of these devices.

The government has also made some changes to the import licensing regime. Under the new rules, companies will be required to obtain a license from The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing laptops and tablets. The license will be granted for a period of one year and will be non-transferable.

In order to obtain a license, companies will need to meet certain criteria, such as having a manufacturing facility in India and a certain percentage of their sales coming from domestically manufactured products. Companies will also need to submit a detailed business plan and investment plan to the DGFT.

The government has said that the new import licensing regime will help to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce India’s import dependence. However, industry players have expressed concerns that the new rules could lead to increased bureaucracy and delays in the import process.

What changes from November?

The new deadline of February 28, 2024, is the biggest change from November. Additionally, the government has now allowed companies to import laptops and tablets for educational and research purposes without a license. Additionally, the government has exempted certain types of laptops and tablets from the ban, such as those used for medical and defense purposes.

What to expect from February 28, 2024?

After February 28, 2024, only companies that have obtained a license from the DGFT will be able to import laptops and tablets. Companies that do not have a license will not be able to import these devices.

It is unclear how the import ban will impact the price of laptops and tablets for consumers. However, some companies have expressed concerns that the new regime may increase the cost of these devices.

The key changes from November are:

• The deadline for import of laptops and tablets without a license has been extended from October 1 to November 30, 2023.
• Companies will now be required to obtain a license from the DGFT before importing laptops and tablets.
• The license will be granted for a period of one year and will be non-transferable.
• Companies will need to meet certain criteria to obtain a license, such as having a manufacturing facility in India and a certain percentage of their sales coming from domestically manufactured products.
• Companies will also need to submit a detailed business plan and investment plan to the DGFT.

What are the implications of the new deadline and import licensing regime?

The new deadline and import licensing regime are likely to have a mixed impact on the industry and consumers.

On the one hand, the extension of the deadline will give companies more time to comply with the new rules and to make necessary arrangements. This should help to avoid any shortages or price increases in the short term.

On the other hand, the new import licensing regime is likely to add to the bureaucracy and delays in the import process. This could lead to higher costs for companies and consumers in the long term.

It is also important to note that the new rules are likely to have a negative impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs may not have the resources or expertise to comply with the new rules, which could make it difficult for them to import laptops and tablets.

Overall, the new deadline and import licensing regime are likely to have a mixed impact on the industry and consumers. It is important to monitor the situation closely to see how the new rules are implemented and what the impact is on the market.

Impact on consumers

The impact of the new import licensing regime on consumers is still unclear. However, it is possible that the new regime could lead to a shortage of laptops, tablets, and PCs in the Indian market. This could lead to an increase in the prices of these devices.

Consumers who are planning to buy a laptop, tablet, or PC in the coming months are advised to do their research and compare prices from different retailers. It is also advisable to book the device in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Industry reaction on laptop ban update

The Indian electronics industry has expressed concerns about the new import licensing regime. The industry body, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), has said that the new regime could lead to a shortage of laptops, tablets, and PCs in the Indian market.

The ICEA has also said that the new regime will increase the cost of doing business for importers and will make it difficult for them to compete with foreign manufacturers.

The government has said that it is open to feedback from the industry and is willing to make changes to the new import licensing regime, if necessary.