The Government of India, in August 2023, said that products like laptops, computers, and tablets will require licenses from November 1st.
A top government official says that there won’t be any such restrictions.
However, the government will monitor the incoming shipments.
Remember, not so long ago, a government order mentioned how imports of laptops, tablets, and computers would be put under licensing. Many saw that this would make imports of these devices into the country difficult and would eventually increase the prices. Now, a top government official says that there won’t be any such restrictions where licensing is needed. However, the government will monitor the incoming shipments.
The Government of India, in August 2023, said that products like laptops, computers, and tablets will require licenses from November 1st. Hence, establishing a licensing regime in the country for the said products. Earlier, the order said that the licensing requirement would be effective immediately but it was later pushed to October 31, offering a transitional period. These restrictions were levied in order to ensure security and promote domestic production.
Also read: Indian govt’s laptop and PC import ban effective from November 1, despite manufacturer appeals
Now, as November approaches, a top government official has stated that the licensing requirement will not be imposed on the above-mentioned products. But monitoring will stay in place.
Gadgets 360 quoted Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal saying, “On laptops, we are of the view that there are no restrictions as such. We are only saying that somebody who is importing these laptops has to be under close watch so that we can look at these imports.” He further added, “It is basically monitoring, which we are doing. It has nothing to do with restrictions as such.”
This was further clarified by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade who said that the work was under progress for this and the import management system will come into effect from November 1, 2023 in India.
Also read: Qualcomm and MediaTek under threat by this change in ARM licensing policy
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“It will be more in the nature of an import management system where people will be issued an authorisation. It will be a very soft licensing. It will just be an authorisation.”
A source even revealed to Gadgets 360 that all of this will happen online. They even added that the Director General of Foreign Trade’s office might also have to issue a clarification in this regard to clear the air.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile
