The government has placed restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets and personal computers with immediate effect, the ministry of commerce said in a notification on Thursday. The notice added that imports would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.
The notification read, “Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers and servers falling under HSN 8741 shall be ‘restricted’ and their import would be allowed against a valid licence for restricted imports.”
Imports under Baggage Rules will be exempt from the curbs. Travellers entering or leaving India are subject to certain checks under customs, referred to as Baggage Rules.
One laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra small form factor computer, including those bought from online portals through post or courier, will not be under the purview of the Import Licencing rules. Duty on imports will have to be paid as required.
The import of these items was free under the previous policy,
“Laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers and servers, which are an essential part of capital good shall be exempted from the import licencing requirements,” the order highlighted.
