The new IMS clarifies that the government will carefully monitor the imports of laptops, tablets, and computers into the country or else the market sentiments will be hurt.
After various rounds of heated discussions, the IT hardware manufacturing sector has written a letter to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to provide crystal-clear clarification on the upcoming policy plans in regards to the imports of computer products in HS 8471. Also the ministry has been requested for more increased stakeholders association.
A year back, restrictions were imposed by the government on numerous IT hardware devices. But when the global and Indian companies raised their voices against this decision, MeitY changed some norms on the imports of computers and laptops. Therefore, the importers were allowed to ship these products from other countries, abiding by the norms.
According to a report by the Economic Times, ITI Council Country Director, India, Kumar Deep said in the letter addressed to MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, “We welcomed the government’s efforts to work with stakeholders last year to prepare for implementation and to clarify administrative procedures. Further, this approach addressed many stakeholder concerns about potential import licensing requirements and restrictions.”
In an effort to ensure these important goods are available in India on a large-scale manner, it is important for the government to take early actions on increased stakeholders engagement. The ITI Council Country Director also added that the potential end date of the license/registration is approaching soon and therefore the government has undertaken this strict decision.
On September 30 2024, the Import Management System (IMS) for ICT hardware products is going to end. The new IMS clarifies that the government will carefully monitor the imports of laptops, tablets, and computers into the country or else the market sentiments will be hurt. The government had said that the importers were allowed to apply for multiple authorizations and those authorizations would be valid up to September 30, clarifies ET.
“In the event of a policy change, the government should also provide a reasonable transition time period. In reviewing whether the IMS needs to be updated or replaced, ITI continues to urge the government to select a path forward that meets India’s objectives while facilitating foreign investment and complying with international trade obligations and norms,” Deep added.
