India on August 3 restricted the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers categorized under HSN 8471. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notice, enforcing the new restrictions with immediate effect.
IMPORTERS REQUIRE VALID LICENSES FOR RESTRICTED IMPORTS
Under the new regulations, the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers falling under HSN 8741 will be considered “Restricted.” Importers must obtain a valid license for Restricted Imports to bring in these products.
EXCEPTION FOR IMPORTATION UNDER BAGGAGE RULES AND LIMITED PERSONAL USE
Importation under Baggage Rules, as amended from time to time, will not be affected by the restriction. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry clarified that personal imports of one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra-small form factor computer, including those purchased from e-commerce portals via post or courier, are exempt from import licensing requirements.
DUTIES APPLY TO RESTRICTED IMPORTS
Imports subject to the restrictions will still be liable for the payment of applicable duties, as per government regulations.
EXEMPTIONS FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TESTING PURPOSES
The government grants exemptions from import licensing requirements for up to 20 items per consignment, specifically for research and development (R&D), testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repair and re-export, and product development purposes.
STRICT CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTED IMPORTS
While exemptions are allowed for certain purposes, the government imposes strict conditions on these exempted products. The imported goods must be used solely for their intended purposes and not be sold. After fulfilling their intended purpose, the products must either be destroyed beyond use or re-exported.
CAPITAL GOODS EXEMPTED FROM IMPORT LICENSING
Additionally, laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers that are considered essential parts of a Capital Good are also exempted from the import licensing requirements.
These new restrictions come as a move by the Indian government to regulate imports of electronic devices and ensure their proper utilization for specific purposes, in line with its policies on trade and commerce. Importers and businesses dealing with laptops, tablets, and personal computers should take note of these changes and obtain the necessary licenses to comply with the regulations effectively.
