New Delhi: The Centre has extended the deadline of the existing import management system for laptops and other IT hardware products till December 31. The companies have been asked to seek fresh approvals for imports based on new guidelines from January 1. According to the official notification of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the importers will be required to apply for fresh authorizations from January 1, 2025, in line with the detailed guidance to be provided soon.
The import management system covers IT products including laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. The system was introduced on November 1, 2023, in order to promote domestic manufacturing of these goods, reduce import dependence on other countries, and ensure a trusted supply chain for electronics in the country.
In August last year, the government stepped back from its decision to issue licenses for the import of IT hardware products amid massive reservations from companies, industry lobby groups, and key trade partners. A new contactless import management system was introduced in November following this. Under this system, the import permit is issued to companies in an online format.
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