US Trade Representative Ambassador Tai raised the issue of India’s new import requirements for computers, tablets and servers. In response, Commerce Minister Goyal described the objectives behind implementing these policies, including national security concerns
As part of trusted sources norm, the Centre is expected to restrict imports of hardware components from China and other non-trusted sources to boost local manufacturing
In a meeting with industry stakeholders, the government also proposed a middle ground, allowing unrestricted imports against registration and disclosure of import details. Any restrictions, if introduced, could be done in a staggered manner. If implemented, this move would allow laptop manufacturers a year or more to find trusted import sources or rejig their supply chains.
The initiative comes after the Centre recently introduced an import licensing regime for IT products, reflecting efforts to promote local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports in the technology sector.
As PC and laptop makers urge the government to rethink its decision on import licensing requirements accompanied by a quota, the industry stakeholders have