Tech companies approach US to urge India to reconsider PC import ban
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San Francisco: Protesting against India's recent import restrictions on PCs, laptops, and servers, top industry groups and tech giants have sent a letter to the United States Department of Commerce, asking to push India to reconsider the implementation of the restriction policy.
The tech companies including Apple, Intel, Google, Lenovo, Dell Technologies, HP, and others, in their letter, said that the move could significantly disrupt trade, hamper efforts to more closely integrate India into global supply chains, and harm businesses and consumers in both countries.
The industry groups included the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Semiconductor Industry Association.
They wrote in the letter that any barrier to trade could affect the shipment of US-made computers and electronics into India.
According to the notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India, for clearance of import consignments with effect from November 1, 2023, a valid license for restricted imports is required.
The government has told the tech companies that the restrictions are not to ban imports but to promote exports via domestic manufacturing.
Meanwhile, top consumer electronics companies like HP, Apple, and Dell last week urged the government to extend the November 1 deadline for the licenses required for PCs, laptops, and tablets by at least a year, as it will take time to configure and set up manufacturing or assembling units as per new guidelines.
In a meeting with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officials, also attended by leading industry bodies the Manufacturing Association of IT Hardware (MAIT) and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the tech companies conveyed to the government they need more time to set up manufacturing units in the country, according to sources.
The Centre has said the restrictions were imposed for security reasons and also for promoting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.
With inputs from IANS