India Defers Laptop and Tablet Import Licensing After Industry Complaints

India will defer import licensing requirement for laptops, tablets by 1 year after complaints by industry, US govt.
New 'imports management system' will need registration certificates instead of licenses.
India's electronics imports including laptops, tablets was $19.7 billion in Apr-Jun, up 6.25% yoy.
U.S. trade chief Katherine Tai raised concerns with India over the original policy.
Affected companies include Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Apple, Google and others want US government to push India to reconsider laptop, PC import curbs

### Summary Global trade bodies, including Apple, Google, and Dell, are urging the US to persuade India to retract its IT import restrictions and hold a formal consultation with industry stakeholders. ### Facts - 🌍 Major global IT and electronics companies are calling on the US to push India to reconsider its import restriction policy on IT hardware. - 📜 Indian government placed laptops, tablets, and other electronics under the restricted category, requiring additional licenses for importation. - 📝 US trade bodies have asked the US government to engage with India and ensure that its measures are consistent with international trade obligations. - 🤝 The licensing measures imposed by India have raised concerns about the country's reliability as a trade and supply chain partner. - 🛠️ IT hardware companies operating in India are seeking an extension of the deadline for licenses and clarity around the licensing process. - 🌐 The trade bodies emphasize that the import restrictions could disrupt trade, harm businesses and consumers, and impose risks on data center investments. - 🇺🇸 The United States should uphold World Trade Organization rules to discourage the expansion of such trade-restrictive measures in India and beyond. (Source: The Economic Times)

8/27/2023

U.S. trade chief flags concerns over India's license mandate for laptop, tablet imports

U.S. trade chief Katherine Tai has expressed concerns to India over its new licensing requirements for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers, citing potential adverse impact on U.S. exports and the need for stakeholder input.

8/27/2023

US voices concerns over India's imposition of import restrictions on technological devices - Times of India

India and the US have agreed to work together to address import restrictions on electronic devices and resolve a trade dispute related to poultry products, with both nations aiming to find a resolution that addresses their concerns.

8/30/2023

India says Dell, HP among 32 firms that applied to make laptops locally

At least 32 international electronics companies have applied to India's incentive program to manufacture laptops, tablets, and servers in the country as part of the government's push to boost domestic manufacturing capacity.

9/8/2023

India's policy contradictions are making it harder for investors to crack its market

India's import restrictions on personal computers and laptops, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, have caught major suppliers off guard and may deter foreign investment.

10/13/2023

India Rolls Back Plan to Restrict Laptop Imports After Industry Backlash

India has decided to roll back its plan to impose restrictions on laptop imports after facing criticism from industry and Washington, instead opting to keep importers under close observation.

10/16/2023

US, Asian Nations Question India's Import Curbs on IT Products at WTO

The US, China, South Korea, and Taiwan express concerns over India's import restrictions on computers and electronic products, stating that it could affect business relations and create trade barriers.

Topics

Posted 9/23/2023, 12:34:00 PM

India Defers Laptop and Tablet Import Licensing After Industry Complaints

India will defer import licensing requirement for laptops, tablets by 1 year after complaints by industry, US govt.
New 'imports management system' will need registration certificates instead of licenses.
India's electronics imports including laptops, tablets was $19.7 billion in Apr-Jun, up 6.25% yoy.
U.S. trade chief Katherine Tai raised concerns with India over the original policy.
Affected companies include Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Apple, Google and others want US government to push India to reconsider laptop, PC import curbs

8/27/2023

U.S. trade chief flags concerns over India's license mandate for laptop, tablet imports

8/27/2023

US voices concerns over India's imposition of import restrictions on technological devices - Times of India

8/30/2023

India says Dell, HP among 32 firms that applied to make laptops locally

9/8/2023

India's policy contradictions are making it harder for investors to crack its market

India's import restrictions on personal computers and laptops, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, have caught major suppliers off guard and may deter foreign investment.

10/13/2023

India Rolls Back Plan to Restrict Laptop Imports After Industry Backlash

India has decided to roll back its plan to impose restrictions on laptop imports after facing criticism from industry and Washington, instead opting to keep importers under close observation.

10/16/2023

US, Asian Nations Question India's Import Curbs on IT Products at WTO