DGFT notifies extension of import regime for laptops till December 31

NEW DELHI : The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified the extension of the import management system for laptops and other IT hardware products for three more months—till December 31—and asked companies to seek fresh approvals for imports based on new guidelines from January 1. The import management system kicked in on November 1, 2023, to promote domestic manufacturing of these goods, reduce dependence, especially on China, and ensure a trusted supply chain for electronics in the country.

Last year, the government also said that the import data would be closely studied before deciding how to move forward. The system covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. Experts and the industry, however, raised concerns regarding the decision, as per a report.