India is implementing a new “import management system” to monitor shipments of laptops, tablets, and personal computers without disrupting the market supply, according to government officials. The system, which will be introduced on November 1, requires companies to register the quantity and value of imports. However, the government will not reject any import requests but will instead utilize the data for monitoring purposes. The aim of the system is to create a trustworthy digital environment for imports in India, said S. Krishnan, the top bureaucrat in the electronics and infotech ministry.
The decision comes as a relief for global laptop manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo, who had expressed concerns following the sudden announcement of a licensing regime in August. On August 3, India initially imposed a licensing regime on laptop and tablet imports, but swiftly deferred the decision after facing criticism from the industry and the United States. The original plan entailed the government having the power to reject import requests unless a license was obtained for each shipment.
At a press conference, Krishnan mentioned that additional measures could be implemented after September 2024, based on the data collected so far. The move to launch the “import management system” aims to ensure a secure digital ecosystem and acquire the necessary data and information.
Reporting by Shivangi Acharya; Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Kim Coghill and Clarence Fernandez
