Govt likely to relax restrictions on import of laptops

NEW DELHI: The central decision on import restrictions on gadgets including laptops, tablets and personal computers may be relaxed. The central government is planning to delay the restriction for one year. Steps may also be taken to introduce online registration for import companies to avoid the hassle of obtaining licenses. The government's move comes after the industry shared concerns about the import ban.

On August 3, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued an order banning the import of gadgets including laptops. As per the order, only laptops with approved licenses were allowed to be imported.

But following objections from the industry, it was later decided to postpone the ban till December 31. The central government's aim is to reduce the import of electronics products from China and increase local production. Gadgets, including laptops, worth $78 billion are imported from China to India every year.