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India plans to limit laptop, tablet, and PC imports after January to promote domestic manufacturing.
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The move could disrupt the $8-$10 billion IT hardware market and reshape India’s reliance on imports.
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The government has introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage local production.
India is set to impose import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and personal computers starting January, in a bid to boost domestic manufacturing ¹. This move comes after a similar plan was withdrawn last year due to backlash from companies and lobbying from the US. The government has been monitoring imports under a system set to expire this year and has asked firms to seek fresh approvals for imports next year.
The plan aims to encourage global giants like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo to increase local production ². India’s laptop and personal computer imports between April to July stood at $1.7 billion, highlighting the country’s reliance on imports ¹. The government has introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to support domestic manufacturing, which provides financial incentives to electronics manufacturers to meet production targets.
The import management system, launched in November 2023, requires companies to register with the government the quantity and value of their laptop and tablet imports ¹. This move is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and ensure a trusted supply chain. With this new policy, India hopes to reduce its dependence on foreign-made electronics and position itself as a major player in the global tech landscape.
By limiting imports, India aims to stimulate local production and create a more self-sufficient electronics industry. However, this move may lead to short-term supply shortages and increased consumer costs ¹.
