top of page
Lanon Wee

India Imposes Restrictions on Importation of Laptops and PCs from Apple and Samsung

The Indian government issued a notice Thursday, stipulating that certain electronics, such as laptops and tablets, would need licenses to be imported into the country. Companies from Apple and Samsung to HP would, accordingly, need such licenses to bring these products into India. Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar commented on Friday that this initiative was instituted in order to reduce import dependency and boost domestic manufacturing of these items. India has put limits on the imports of personal computers and tablets, citing security and the need to cultivate domestic manufacturing - a move that could have an effect on Samsung and Apple product sales in one of the largest markets for consumer electronics. The government published a notice on Thursday stating that laptops and tablets are among the electronics that need a license to be imported into India. Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar explained the development by pointing out India as one of the fastest-growing markets for digital products. Chandrasekhar said on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the government wishes to ensure "trusted" hardware and systems, reduce import dependence, and increase domestic manufacturing. Citing people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg reported that Apple, Samsung, and HP have temporarily stopped importing restricted products into India. The country is attempting to become a hub for high-tech production, attracting tech giants with incentives. As part of this endeavor, Apple has already shifted some production to India for its latest iPhones, with Foxconn, the principal assembler, investing $600 million into the country. Tarun Pathak, from Counterpoint Research, stated that before the Diwali festive season in November, there could be price increases and supplies being reduced for certain products. Pathak said one-fifth of the annual sales are made in the Diwali month, adding there might be some disruptions in offers and discounts due to possible demand and supply mismatches.

Comments


bottom of page