On October 19, 2023, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) introduced significant changes to import rules for IT Hardware and electronic items categorized under HSN 8471.   

1. The new license regime applies to laptops, computers, tablets, and servers.

2. Importers can apply for authorizations without quantity, value, or country restrictions.

3. Authorizations are valid until September 30, 2024.

4. Quantity control on IT hardware imports will be imposed from September 2024.

5. Online systems are introduced, but IT hardware remains in the restricted category.

6. Second-hand or refurbished imports have a different procedure.

7. IT hardware products from special economic zones can be imported without authorization.

8. Private entities for government purposes require an End User Certificate.

9. No import restrictions on spare parts, assemblies, and components.

10. Some IT hardware is exempted when accompanying machinery, with a limit of 20 items per consignment for research and testing.

Why the Initiative is taken for IT Hardware?

Through this initiative, the government aims to increase local production of IT hardware to meet up to 70% of the country’s requirements in the next three years and reduce dependence on imports from non-trusted sources.

These changes aim to make IT hardware import more accessible for businesses while ensuring national security interests. The government’s commitment to streamlining import procedures reflects its responsiveness to industry needs, fostering economic growth and innovation in the IT sector.    

You can access the official notification drafted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade from here. 

How Vincular can Help you?

At Vincular, we take pride in achieving an Import License while assisting you throughout the journey providing end-to-end services from consultation to testing to certification.

For more detailed information about this recently released notification, please reach out to us at info@vincular.in