New laptop, PC import system not in violation of WTO norms, says MeitY secretary

IT import curbs

India's new import management system (IMS) for laptops, tablets, and PCs does not contravene the World Trade Organisation's framework, secretary for the Ministry of Electronics and IT, S Krishnan, said on October 19.

This comes after reports said that several countries such as the US, China, Korea and Taiwan had raised concerns about India’s decision to impose import restrictions on laptops in a recent WTO meeting.

Also Read: Govt stays implementation of laptop, PC import curbs till October 31

"This is entirely within the WTO framework. We believe that we have not gone beyond it," Krishnan said.

Krishnan, who was chairing a press conference along with Directorate General of Foreign Trade director general Santosh Kumar Sarangi, reiterated that the aim behind introduction of the import management system was to ensure a trusted supply chain for such items, as well as to boost local production.

As part of the import management system, 7 ITC(HS) Codes involving Laptop, Tablet, All-in-one Personal Computer, Ultra small form factor Computer & Servers will be covered.

The authorisation will be valid till September 30, 2024.

Also Read: Ahead of India's laptop import curbs, PC and electronics manufacturing fell 32%

In the coming days, DGFT along with MeitY will hold virtual meetings every Tuesday to address any issues that the industry faces with the IMS.

The government, through the IMS, will require companies to register import details, but both DGFT and MeitY clarified that the government will not reject any import requests. "We will study the data, and based on that we will take a call on what to do after September 30, 2024," Krishnan said.