Apple forced to halt MacBook, iPad imports in India

vtqhtr413 · Aug 4, 2023

Following the Indian government's decision to require licenses for firms importing key technology devices, Apple, HP, Dell, Samsung, and more have had to temporarily cease imports. India unexpectedly announced its new law on Thursday and said that effective immediately, imports of laptops and tablets require a license. While the government gave no reason for the new regulations nor why they were so abruptly implemented, it's believed to be to help boost local production of these devices. According to Bloomberg, the decision took all major manufacturers by surprise. Unspecified sources said that companies had been expecting that the government would implement some import measures, but the speed of this licensing requirement caught them off-guard.

The firms are now negotiating with authorities in New Delhi over how to most quickly gain a license to import their goods. India's decision comes at a particularly key time of the year for technology firms. The forthcoming Diwali shopping season, coupled to the country's back-to-school period, mean that these months are when firms usually prepare for significant sales volumes. Bloomberg says that the license requirement is likely to result in product shortages in India and may also mean that new launches will be delayed there. None of the firms affected have commented, and nor has the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, though, been implementing a "Make in India" program for many years, and this is seen as the latest element of that.

Apple forced to temporarily halt MacBook, iPad imports in India

Following the Indian government's decision to require licences for firms importing key technology devices, Apple, HP, Dell, Samsung, and more have had to temporarily cease imports.

appleinsider.com

India restricts import of foreign-made laptops, tablets, and servers

Restrictions are hoped to encourage domestic manufacturing

www.techradar.com

Brahman · Aug 4, 2023

vtqhtr413 · Aug 4, 2023

India is delaying the implementation of its import limitations on laptops, tablets and servers a day after the unexpected regulation left electronic industry giants in a state of disruption and uncertainty.

New Delhi will provide a “transition period” before implementing the amended import policy, India’s Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Friday. The government will offer at least one month to companies to obtain licenses, a government official told local reporters.

India’s Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday that the new restrictions on import of consumer electronic devices were going into effect immediately. The notification said the government will permit import against a valid license for restricted products. The restriction will also not apply to passengers carrying the mentioned devices in their baggage.