India is expected to delay import duty restrictions on PCs, laptops, and tablets by 9-12 months, providing relief to manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo. The move could be implemented from November 2024. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has held talks with industry players, who are seeking an extension of the October 31 deadline to register for licenses.

Industry players in the Philippines are set to receive a 1-2 year window to import without restrictions on laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and server devices. This will help companies meet the surge in demand during the upcoming festive season. The government has proposed a middle ground, allowing unrestricted imports if PC and laptop makers register for the new import process. The government is expected to introduce restrictions staggered from November 2024 and increase them by November 2025.

What are the new import rules

India's government has introduced new rules for importing laptops and tablets, among other small factor computers. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has finalised the norms, requiring companies to obtain licenses for importing these devices. The move aims to ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependency, and increase domestic manufacturing of these products. Consumer electronics companies have urged the government to extend the deadline for importing these devices, citing time-consuming configuration and assembly in India.