The government has clarified that there are no
import restrictions
on certain IT hardware products. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (
DGFT
), an arm of the commerce ministry, issued a circular to customs authorities and the industry, stating that only the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra small form factor computers, and servers is restricted. The restrictions are not imposed on
desktop computers
.
“Only the import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers falling under HSN 8471 is ‘Restricted’ and import should be allowed against a valid Import authorisation only for above five item categories. The given Import Restriction does not apply to any other goods such as Desktop Computers, etc. under tariff head 8471," said the circular.
According to the DGFT, the import of these "restricted" goods is allowed only with a valid import authorisation. In international trade, products are categorised using the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code, also known as tariff heads, which help in the systematic classification of goods worldwide.
HS Code 8471 includes products related to automatic data processing machines and units, such as mice, printers, scanners, and CD drives.
Restrictions on import of certain IT products
In August last year, the government announced restrictions on certain IT hardware goods. However, after receiving concerns from domestic and foreign firms, it revised the rules in October 2023. The revised regulations allowed importers to bring in laptops and computers from overseas with a simple import authorisation.
Importers are required to provide details of the quantity and value of the goods. This new "
import management system
" aims to monitor shipments of laptops, tablets, and computers without disrupting market supply or creating a burdensome licensing process.
Importers can apply for multiple authorisations, which will remain valid until September 30, 2024.
Regarding the issue of desktop computers, an official stated that certain companies had approached the DGFT, claiming that customs authorities were not permitting the import of desktops. In response to these concerns, the clarification was issued.
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