India Restricts Import Of Laptop, Computers To Boost Local Manufacturing

New Delhi, August 3, 2023 – India has restricted the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers (PCs) with immediate effect, in a bid to boost local manufacturing.

The government said that the import of these products would now be allowed only against a valid license for restricted imports. This means that companies will need to apply for a license from the government before they can import laptops, tablets, or PCs.

The move is seen as a way to protect the local manufacturing industry, which has been struggling to compete with foreign rivals. India is currently the world’s second-largest market for laptops and tablets, but its share of the global PC market is just 2%.

💥India restricts import of laptops, tablets, personal computers

— Dr. Shah (@ankitatIIMA) August 3, 2023

The government hopes that the restrictions on imports will help to level the playing field for local manufacturers and encourage them to invest in new production facilities.

The move has been welcomed by the Indian Computer Hardware Manufacturers’ Association (ICHMA), which said that it would help to create jobs and boost the country’s exports.

“This is a welcome move by the government,” said ICHMA President Manoj Chugh. “It will help to protect the interests of the domestic industry and create jobs in the sector.”

However, some industry experts have warned that the restrictions could lead to higher prices for laptops, tablets, and PCs in India.

“The restrictions will definitely lead to higher prices for consumers,” said Jaideep Mehta, an analyst at IDC India. “This is because the local manufacturing industry is not yet mature enough to meet the demand for these products.”

The government has said that it will monitor the impact of the restrictions on prices and take steps to ensure that consumers are not adversely affected.

The restrictions on imports come at a time when the Indian government is trying to promote the Make in India initiative. The initiative aims to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

The government has also announced a number of other measures to boost the manufacturing sector, including tax breaks and subsidies.

It remains to be seen whether the restrictions on imports will be enough to achieve the government’s goal of boosting local manufacturing. However, the move is a clear indication that the government is serious about its Make in India initiative.