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The government has deferred the implementation of the import restriction order on laptops and computers (including tablet computers) by about three months till October 31, 2023. A move that gives more time to electronic companies to import these devices without a licence. Now, these companies would need to take a licence from the government to import these devices from November 1.

On August 3, the government put the import of these devices under a licence regime with immediate effect. Subsequently, industry raised issues with the government on the notification. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in an order issued late on August 4, said the notification dated August 3 shall be effective from November 1.

It stated that a ‘liberal transitional arrangement is provided for import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers and servers … till October 31, 2023.’ Besides, it said the restrictions were imposed for security reasons and the need to promote domestic manufacturing. The move will also curtail in-bound shipments of these goods from countries like China and Korea.