GENEVA: Countries like America, China, Taiwan and South Korea have come out against India's decision to restrict the import of gadgets including laptops and computers. The United States pointed out at the World Trade Organization group meeting held in Geneva that this would adversely affect exports to India. The United States also said that India's decision creates uncertainty in the export sector itself. South Korea accused India's move of violating World Trade Organization rules and asked for a review of the decision.

At the same time, the Centre has clarified that the order is not aimed at introducing licensing and the decision is part of monitoring imports. India imports about $8 billion worth of gadgets every year.

India announced laptop import restrictions on August 3. Besides laptops, personal computers, microcomputers and certain data processing machines are subject to restrictions on import into India. The central government has directed that the companies importing such electronic products from foreign countries should have a restricted import license. The central government aimed to reduce imports from China and manufacture gadgets in India. The order was a setback for brands like Apple, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Acer and Samsung.