Transition period for new norms of laptop, tablet import to be notified soon: Dy IT minister

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

News agency PTI reported citing sources that security concern was one of the reasons behind decision to restrict import of laptops. Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a tweet said the objective behind the move was to «ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependence and increase domestic mfg of this category of products».

«This is not at all abt license raj — It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems AND ensuring India tech eco-system uses trusted and verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems/products,» he added.DGFT has prepared a portal, and companies/traders can apply online for getting a license. It is expected that DGFT will issue a license within 3/4 days if details are filled in properly.

Goods/consignments in transit will be allowed without an import license. The import curbs imposed on laptops and computers would help bridge India's trade deficit with China and promote domestic manufacturing, a senior government official said on Friday.

The official said that the move would also help electronic companies to start manufacturing these devices in India rather than only assembling them. «The intent behind this is to promote Make in India and to attract investments within the country so that more and more companies can come to India and produce here.

We want the iPhone model to be replicated in the laptop and PC (personal computer) segment,» the commerce and industry ministry official said. When asked if the decision would increase prices in the local markets, the official said there is an access capacity in India because of the imports, particularly from China, so there would