After a series of policy adjustments in two months, India has commenced the implementation of an import control system for computers, such as notebooks and tablets, and imports by more than 100 brands were reportedly authorized for at least a year.
Reuters quoted two government sources saying that 110 companies, including Apple, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Acer, IBM, Xiaomi, and Asus, were authorized to import notebooks, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-slim form factors, and servers on November 1, when India began implementing the import management system for computers.
The import management system, which requires importers to register and apply for authorization before exporting products into India, will remain valid until September 2024, when the Indian government will consider the next step after collecting data over a year.
On August 3, India suddenly announced license requirements for imported computers, aiming to encourage local production and make sure computers are from trusted sources when India relies heavily on China for its growing demands for computers. However, the decision has caused dissatisfaction among multiple countries, with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai raising concerns over the requirements, and officials from the US, China, Korea, and Taiwan discussed the issue at a WTO meeting. India decided to roll back the decision in October, implementing a monitoring system rather than license requirements or a quota system.
Still, some PC vendors planned or reportedly planned to make their products in India. Flex will make Chromebooks for HP and Google in India. Samsung Electronics is reportedly considering to make notebooks at its Noida facility.
source: Department of Commerce of India, November 2023
