Modi government launches fresh 'authorisation' plan for laptop, tablet imports

INDIA has decided to launch a new system of "authorisation" for importing laptops, tablets and personal computers to monitor shipments of such hardware without affecting market supply, government officials said on Thursday (19), Reuters reported.

The report cited the officials as adding that the new "import management system" comes into force from November 1 and will require companies to register both quantity and value of imports. They, however, said that the government will not turn down any request for imports and will use the data for the purpose of monitoring.

S Krishnan, secretary of the Indian ministry of electronics and information technology, said the aim is "to ensure that all this provides us with the kind of data and information we need to make sure that we have a completely trusted digital system".

The development gives a relief to global laptop manufacturers such as Dell, Apple, HP, Samsung and Lenovo that were rattled by a sudden announcement of a licensing regime two months ago.

On August 3, the Narendra Modi government came up with a licensing regime on imports of laptops and tablets but kept the decision on hold following a backlash from the industry and the US.

That move would have allowed the government to reject request of imports while seeking a license for every shipment.

Krishnan said at a press conference that further measures could be taken after September next year based on the data collected.