India is retracting its previous directive to impose restrictions on computer device imports, a move made months after the abrupt announcement that garnered criticism from the world IT industry.
"India will not impose restrictions on laptop imports," Sunil Barthwal, Trade Secretary informed in a press conference quoted by Reuters. He further said that the government "only wants importers to be on close watch."
The news agency further clarifies that the import licensing system, announced on 3rd Aug, targeted to "ensure trusted hardware and systems" come to India, faced a three-month delay due to industry objections and criticism from Washington. The decision had the potential to affect giants like Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo.
The government is currently in discussions with the industry, and a fresh order concerning laptop imports is scheduled to be disclosed by the October end, as stated by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, the Foreign Trade Directorate General. However, the details of the new plan have not been disclosed yet.
