Centre restricts import of laptops, computers & tablets; aims to boost local manufacturing

The import would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports

August 3, 2023

Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and servers falling under HSN 8741 are ‘restricted’

The Central government has imposed restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and computers with immediate effect, the Ministry of Commerce said in a notification on August 3. According to a government notification the move bid to push local manufacturing.

The import would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.

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 shall be ‘restricted’ and their import would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.”

The Ministry added that the restrictions will not apply to imports under Baggage Rules. Baggage Rules refer to the checks every passenger entering or leaving the Indian border has to pass under Customs.

The Ministry stated in the notification that there would be an exemption from the Import Licencing requirements for the import of one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra-small form factor computer, including those purchased from e-commerce portals through post or courier. Imports will be subject to payment of duty as applicable.

There is also an exemption from import licence for 20 such items per consignment for the purpose of R&D, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repair and re-export, and product development purposes. These imports will be allowed only because they would be used for the said purposes and not sold. Once the intended purpose is achieved, the Ministry added, the products will be destroyed beyond use or re-exported.

The order stated, “Laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra-small form factor computers and servers, which are an essential part of capital goods shall be exempted from the import licencing requirements.”

“Regarding re-import of goods repaired abroad, licence for Restricted Imports shall not be required for repair and return of said items,” the notification highlighted.

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