India announced on Tuesday that companies will need to seek new approvals to import laptops and tablets starting January 1, with detailed guidelines to be released soon.
The country had previously introduced an “import management system” in November 2023, requiring companies to register the quantity and value of their laptop and tablet imports with the government. Initially set to expire this month, the system has been extended until the end of the year.
“Importers would be required to apply for fresh authorisations for the period from 01.01.2025 subject to detailed guidance to be provided shortly,” stated a government notification issued on Tuesday.
India implemented this new system for laptops, tablets, personal computers, and servers after retracting an earlier proposal that mandated licensing for companies like Apple, Dell, and HP to import laptops and tablets. This licensing policy, which was viewed as a trade restriction, was abandoned following backlash from the industry and concerns from Washington.
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The policy aimed to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to enhance local manufacturing and create a reliable supply chain, as India continues to depend on imports for these electronics.
Reuters reported in March that the reversal of the laptop licensing policy was influenced by lobbying from U.S. officials, who were apprehensive about New Delhi’s adherence to WTO obligations and the potential implications of new regulations.
“India’s repeated delay in implementing laptop import restrictions, likely influenced by U.S. concerns, needs to end,” remarked Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, a Delhi-based think tank.
According to government data, India’s imports of laptops and personal computers totaled $1.7 billion from April to July. Under a federal subsidy scheme aimed at local production of laptops, tablets, and personal computers, India approved applications from companies including Dell last year.