Laptop, PC import restriction: MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar clarifies 'there will be a transition period'

MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar has issued a statement clearing the air about the restrictions put in place on laptops and PCs. In a tweet, he addressed the question asking whether MeitY has finalized new norms for the import of IT hardware like Laptops, Servers etc.

In response, Chandrasekhar said, "There will be a transition period for this to be put into effect which will be notified soon."

Q: Why has the @GoI_MeitY finalized new norms for import of IT hardware like Laptops, Servers etc?

Ans: There will be a transition period for this to be put into effect which will be notified soon.

Pls read 👇 https://t.co/u5436EA0IG

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) August 4, 2023

In line with the tweet by the state minister, a government minister confirmed to Reuters that the implementation of these import restrictions will be pushed ahead by at least a month. This move will give companies like Apple, Samsung, HP, Lenovo and other major manufacturers time to obtain the required license without impacting their supply chains.

Government sources have also told Business Today's Karishma Assodani that the decision to impose restrictions on laptop imports is a response to the rising number of cyber crimes in India. The statement also clarifies that consumers won't see a price hike even after the restrictions are in place. 

Reassuring the brands, the govt sources claimed that the registration process for obtaining a license will be streamlined to ensure minimal compliance, with the aim of completing it within minutes. The entire process is yet to be planned and executed.