The government is expected to extend the current import management system for certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, for an additional three months, according to an official source. The system, which is under review, has a deadline set for September 30.

The official shared that these imports totaled USD 8.4 billion during 2023-24, against an authorised limit of about USD 9.5 billion. A significant portion of these imports came from China.

In October last year, the government introduced an import management system for laptops, personal computers, and other IT hardware products. The objective of this system is to monitor imports without disrupting market supplies.

Importers are permitted to apply for multiple authorisations, which remain valid until September 30, 2024. These authorisations cover any number of shipments during this period.

On November 1, 2023, the government approved over 100 applications, including those from major companies such as Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. These approvals allowed the import of IT hardware products valued at nearly USD 10 billion.

"A formal request for an extension is expected soon. If the system is extended for three more months, the entire year will be covered, preventing any disruptions," said the official, who requested anonymity.

The licensing system applies to a range of IT products, including laptops, personal computers, microcomputers, large computers, and data processing machines, to safeguard India’s supply chain.

India's imports of personal computers, including laptops, reached USD 5.33 billion in 2022-23, compared to USD 7.37 billion in 2021-22.

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