US Trade Chief Red Flags India’s New Order For Imports Of PC, Laptops

New Delhi, Aug 28 (KNN) US trade chief Katherine Tai has urged India to review its new order mandating licences for the import of laptops, tablets and personal computers, according to a statement.

The move will impact shipments from the likes of Apple and Dell and force firms to boost local manufacturing.

This saw obvious interventions from Tai amid worries regarding the licensing regime.

"She noted that there were stakeholders that needed an opportunity to review and provide input to ensure that the policy, if implemented, does not have an adverse impact on US exports to India," as per the US statement issued after Tai met with India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday. 

Tai was in India to join the G20 trade ministers' meeting last week in the western state of Rajasthan.

India's new licensing regime, which is due to come into effect on November 1, aims to "ensure trusted hardware and systems" enter the nation. It also seeks to reduce dependence on imports, boost local manufacturing, and in part address the country's trade imbalance with China, according to an Indian government official.

However, in response to the industry's request for a delay of three to six months, the government has opted for a shorter three-month grace period to allow businesses to adjust to the new regulations.  (KNN Bureau)