Tech firms seek deadline extension for laptop import restriction

New Delhi: Top consumer electronics companies, in a meeting with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officials on Tuesday, sought an extension of the November 1 deadline on Laptop import restriction.

The tech companies including HP, Apple, and Dell conveyed to the government that they need at least a year to configure and set up manufacturing or assembling units in the country as per the new guidelines.

Leading industry bodies Manufacturing Association of IT Hardware (MAIT) and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) were also present at the meeting.

As per reports, around 44 companies have submitted applications for incentives under the production-linked incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme for hardware.

According to the notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), for clearance of import consignments with effect from November 1, 2023, a valid license for restricted imports is required.

The Central government earlier deferred its decision to restrict the import of certain categories of laptops and computers until November 1, allowing companies three-month time to import these devices, and after the deadline, no entity will be allowed to import laptops, computers, and related items without a license.

"Import consignments can be cleared till October 31, 2023, without a license for restricted imports," the notification said, adding that liberal transitional arrangements will be notified for the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and servers till October 31.

This is a partial reversal from its August 3 order, which had imposed import restrictions on these devices with immediate effect.

Centre has told the tech companies that the restrictions are not to ban imports but to promote exports via domestic manufacturing, and were imposed for security reasons, adding that it is for the promotion of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.

With inputs from IANS