August 21, 2023
1 min read

‘Reconsider PC import curbs’

Eight American trade groups asked the government to urge India to reconsider the policy…reports Asian Lite News

Top industry groups and tech giants, including Apple and Intel, have sent a letter to the US Department of Commerce, protesting against India’s recent import restrictions on PCs, laptops and servers.

In the letter, the biggest players in technology and manufacturing said the move “could significantly disrupt trade, hamper efforts to more closely integrate India into global supply chains, and harm businesses and consumers in both countries”.

Eight American trade groups asked the government to urge India to reconsider the policy, reports Bloomberg News.

The industry groups included the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Semiconductor Industry Association.

They wrote in the letter that any barrier to trade could affect the shipment of US-made computers and electronics into India.

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

The government has told tech companies that the restrictions are not to ban imports but to promote exports via domestic manufacturing.

Meanwhile, top consumer electronics companies like HP, Apple and Dell last week urged the government to extend the November 1 deadline for the licences required for PCs, laptops and tablets by at least an year, as it will take time to configure and set up manufacturing/assembling units as per new guidelines.

In a meeting with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officials, also attended by leading industry bodies the Manufacturing Association of IT Hardware (MAIT) and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the tech companies conveyed to the government they need more time to set up manufacturing units in the country, according to sources.

Post November 1, no entity will be allowed to import laptops, computers, and related items without a license.

The Centre has said the restrictions were imposed for security reasons and also for promoting the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.

ALSO READ: Paper packaging thrives amid MEA e-commerce boom

Previous Story

South Africa gears up to host BRICS summit

Next Story

G20 ministers agree to adopt digital public infrastructure

Latest from India News

Tel Aviv Halts Progress on West Bank Bills

The vote was carried out during US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to the country….reports Asian Lite News Israel has frozen the West Bank annexation bills that had cleared a preliminary vote in

India Hails Trump’s Role in Gaza Deal

Delhi credits Washington for reviving hopes of Middle East stability…reports Asian Lite News India has praised US President Donald Trump for his role in securing the landmark Gaza agreement, saying the move

Piyush Goyal Woos German CEOs to Invest in India

Goyal is in Germany to engage with CEOs and industry leaders to boost bilateral trade and investment….reports Asian Lite News Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met several top CEOs and industry

India, Oman Cement Defence Partnership

The officials of two nations also held talks on capability development, professional military education and new avenues for partnership…reports Asian Lite News The Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman held the

Jaishankar to Represent PM Modi at East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region…reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India, UAE sign civil nuclear energy deal

This agreement marks the first of its kind between the

Jaishankar holds talks with UK Foreign Secretary

EAM Jaishankar had sit-down meetings with some leaders and quick