Government changed the licensing policy on import of laptops, also created a new online system

The government on Thursday announced changes to restrictions on the import of laptops and computers. The government says the new Import Management System aims to monitor shipments of laptops, tablets and computers into the country without harming market supply and creating a cumbersome licensing regime. Let us tell you that in its order of August, the government had talked about banning the import of laptops.

Government's objective is to monitor imports - DGFT
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarnagi said the new licensing or import authorisation/management system, which will come into effect with immediate effect, is primarily aimed at monitoring the imports of these products to ensure that they are of reliable origin. Coming from the source. For this, importing companies have been allowed to bring consignments of IT hardware from abroad only on 'authorization' after giving information about quantity and value.

Let us tell you that a notification was issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in August, which states that the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra-small computers and servers will be banned from October 31. Will be done. That means, laptops, computers etc. can be imported into India from other countries till 31st October but not after that.

Relief news for IT companies
This announcement by the government is likely to provide relief to IT companies in India as they had raised concerns over the imposition of a strict licensing regime for importers. Major electronic brands sold in the market include HCL, Samsung, Dell, LG Electronics, Acer, Apple, Lenovo and HP.

Director General of Foreign Trade Sarnagi said that while seeking authorisation, an importer will have to provide information of the import item and details of previous imports, exports and turnover. Except under certain conditions, the government will not reject any import requests and will use the data to monitor incoming shipments of these goods. Sarnagi said that some changes have been made in the policy after taking into account the concerns of sector stakeholders and an end-to-end online system has been introduced for importers.

How will the import management system work?
S Krishnan, secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, said this import management system “will provide us with the kind of data and information (that) we need to ensure that we have a completely reliable digital system in this country. Following concerns raised by the industry, the licensing system will come into effect from November 1. He said the new online system is simpler than the cumbersome licensing system.
 
Krishnan said importers are allowed to apply for multiple authorizations and those authorizations will be valid till September 30, 2024. Authorizations will be issued for any number of consignments for import by September next year. After September 2024, the government will study the data, interact with the industry and then decide on a way forward. MeiTY Secretary said that the government does not intend to create any kind of inconvenience or difficulty. Rather, its aim is to promote manufacturing of more and more electronic hardware in the country.