India reaffirms import restrictions on electronics and IT goods

Restrictions on unregistered and non-compliant electronics and IT goods have been in place since 2021.

May 21, 2024

Random samples of LED products will be tested for safety parameters and only compliant consignments will be cleared by the Customs

If non-compliant goods fail to meet BIS standards or labelling requirements, they will be returned or destroyed at the importer's expense or scrapped by government agencies

New restrictions were placed on certain IT hardware items in August 2023, and they were revised in October 2023

Importing laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, and ultra-small form factor computers now requires specific import authorisation

India has reaffirmed its restrictions on importing certain electronics and IT goods, according to an official notification from the Commerce Ministry dated May 20. Initially implemented in 2021, this order has been updated with necessary notifications. The ministry continues prohibiting the import of unregistered, non-compliant electronics and IT products. A government official told Reuters that the notification does not change the existing policy, which already restricts these imports.

For LED products and DC/AC supplied control gears for LED modules, samples will be randomly selected from consignments and tested for specific safety parameters in labs. This rigorous process, overseen by the government, ensures the safety of approved consignments. Non-compliant goods will be returned or destroyed at the importer’s expense. Products that fail to meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) criteria or labelling requirements must be re-exported or scrapped by government agencies.

In August 2023, the government imposed restrictions on certain IT hardware items. Responding to concerns raised by domestic and foreign companies, the government revised these restrictions in October. Importers can now bring in hardware with an authorization specifying quantity and value. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) clarified that there are no restrictions on importing certain IT hardware like desktop computers. However, importing laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra-small form factor computers remains restricted and requires import authorization.

Source: Economic Times

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