Govt Restricts on Import of Laptops, Tablets, and Computers

Government imposes immediate import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and personal computers

According to a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the central government barred imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers under HSN 8471 immediately on Thursday (03.08.2023).

"Import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, and Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be 'Restricted,' and their import would be allowed against a valid Licence for Restricted Imports," the notification added.

"The said Restriction shall not apply to Imports under Baggage Rules, as amended from time to time," stated the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

"Exemption from Import Licencing requirements is provided for the import of one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra-small form factor computer, including those purchased from e-commerce portals via post or courier," it said.

The government said that imports would be subject to duty, if applicable.

According to the government, an exemption from the licensing is allowed for up to 20 such products per shipment for R&D Testing Benchmarking, evaluation repair, re-export, and product development reasons.

"Given imports shall be allowed subject to the condition that the imported goods be used for the stated purposes only and will not be sold," the ministry declared, adding, "Further, after the intended purpose, the products would be either destroyed beyond use or re-exported."

However, the ministry underlined that a limited import license is not necessary to repair and return such devices.

"Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One Personal Computers, and Ultra Small Farm Factor Computers and Servers that are an essential component of a Capital Good shall be exempt from import licensing requirements."