Approval is needed for the import of PCs, & laptops - Govt

After the restrictions from the government on the import of Laptops and PCs were lifted; the Government introduced a new regime for the permit of imports. Recently, "Matter of Minutes" a unique online platform launched for easy and quick approval of imports. This platform will help to scrutinize the imports as well as address the threat of cybersecurity.

The new system - is designed to put Laptops and PCs on a restricted list where licensing is mandatory for imports. But it will help in curbing problems like low supplies and high prices as the platform provides a mid-way with quick approvals. This move came with the rise of criticism from various industries and experts internationally.

According to the government official, Santosh Sarangi Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) told the media, "None of the companies are currently on the denied entry list." In addition, 100 applications have been filed so far.

The government has decided to be watchful; finding a midway for the stakeholders

Currently, there are no plans to ban imports from any country. Supposedly, the most affected country is cited to be China as more than 60% of products - PCs, Laptop, tablets, microcomputers, large or mainframe computers, and some data processing machines - are imported from China, which is considered the largest producer of electronic goods.

To push the "Make in India" campaign government is taking measures to promote local products. Including electronics, to reduce dependence on imports. MoS at IT industry Rajeev Chandrashekhar had stated that the government is not going for licensing, the peripherals are included in the restricted list. Words like licensing are avoided as Laptops and PCs are cited to have authorization checks only.

"The intent is not to cause any kind of inconvenience or difficulty, or impose any needless restriction on any of the players involved." said electronics and IT secretary S Krishnan. The ultimate goal is to promote local manufacturing of IT products.

IT hardware manufactured in SEZs and shipped to the domestic tariff area or the non-SEZ area will not require any authorization. Furthermore, the import of PCs or laptops for government agencies by private companies is also exempted from it. Multiple authorizations are allowed for importers, valid till September 2024. After next September, the government will decide on the next step; as they will analyze the data and discuss it with the industry experts, S Krishnan stated.

S. Krishnan shared that the main idea is to provide certainty till next year. Once the system is launched, it will be analyzed by the experts over a period of time. Consequently, the government will discuss the pros and cons with the stakeholders, only then further steps will be decided.