Introduction: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, issued Policy Circular No. 09/2023-24 on 12th January 2024. The circular aims to provide clarity on the Import Policy Provisions for specific IT hardware items falling under HSN 8471.
Detailed Analysis: The DGFT Notification No. 23/2023 dated 03rd August 2023, along with subsequent notifications, imposed restrictions on the import of certain IT hardware. According to the recent Policy Circular No. 09/2023-24, the import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, Ultra Small Form Factor Computers, and Servers under HSN 8471 is deemed ‘Restricted.’
Importers must note that the restriction applies exclusively to the specified IT hardware categories. However, it is crucial to understand that the restriction does not encompass other goods like Desktop Computers falling under tariff head 8471.
To facilitate the import of the mentioned categories, importers must comply with the requirement of obtaining a valid Import authorization. This authorization is mandatory for the import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, Ultra Small Form Factor Computers, and Servers under HSN 8471.
This clarification ensures that the trade and industry members are well-informed about the specific restrictions and requirements associated with the import of these IT hardware items. The DGFT emphasizes the need for adherence to these guidelines, and importers are advised to seek the necessary authorization before proceeding with the import of the restricted items.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Policy Circular No. 09/2023-24 from DGFT provides essential clarity on the Import Policy Provisions for specific IT hardware falling under HSN 8471. Importers and members of the trade and industry are urged to carefully review the circular to ensure compliance with the specified restrictions. This measure aims to streamline the import process for Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, Ultra Small Form Factor Computers, and Servers while maintaining a regulated and authorized trade environment. For further inquiries, contact Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, Md. Moin Afaque, at ddg1import-dgft@gov.in.
This information is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and is crucial for businesses engaged in the import and trade of IT hardware. Stay informed and compliant to ensure a smooth and lawful import process.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 12th January, 2024
Policy Circular No. 09/2023-24
To,
1. All Customs Commissionerate(s)
2. Members of Trade & Industry
Subject: Clarification regarding Import Policy Provisions for Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers and Ultra Small Form Factor Computers, Servers under HSN 8471-reg.
Attention is drawn to DGFT Notification No. 23/2023 dated 03rd August 2023 read with Notification No. 26/2023 dated 4th August 2023 and Notification No. 38/2023 dated 19th October 2023 and in continuation to Policy circular no. 6/2023- 24 dated 19.10.2023, whereby Import of certain specified IT Hardware was ‘Restricted’. In this regard, the following clarifications are provided:
“Only the import of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-one Personal Computers, Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers falling under HSN 8471 is ‘Restricted’ and import should be allowed against a valid Import authorisation only for above five item categories. The given Import Restriction does not apply to any other goods such as Desktop Computers, etc. under tariff head 8471”.
This is issued with the approval of Competent Authority.
(Md. Moin Afaque)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: ddg1import-dgft@gov.in
(Issued from F. No.01/89/1 80/39/AM-1 3/PC-2[A]/E-226 1)
