The Indian government has implemented restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers falling under the HSN 8471 category. A government notification states that import of these restricted items will only be permitted with a valid license, except for imports under Baggage Rules.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, Government of India, clarified that an exemption from import licensing is allowed for one laptop, tablet, all-in-one Personal Computer, or ultra-small form factor Computer, including those purchased from e-commerce portals, through post or courier, subject to applicable duty payment.

Custom checks, also known as baggage rules, apply to every passenger entering or leaving India. For specific purposes like research and development, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repair and re-export, and product development, an exemption from import licensing is provided for up to 20 such items per consignment.

The condition is that the imported goods must be used only for the stated purposes and cannot be sold. After fulfilling their intended purpose, the products must either be destroyed beyond use or re-exported, as specified in the notification.

Goods being re-imported after being repaired abroad will not require a license for Restricted Imports, the government clarified.

The move aligns with the government’s efforts to promote domestic manufacturing through the ‘Make In India’ program. These import curbs are expected to provide a boost to local electronic product manufacturers, including laptops, computers, and more.