Donald Trump ‘tariff’ fallout? India likely to extend import authorisation scheme for laptops and PCs

The Union government is likely to extend the import authorisation scheme for laptops and PCs beyond December 31, sources told CNBC-TV18 on December 9. While the industry awaits clarity on the manufacture and import of laptops and PCs, the Commerce Ministry is expected to issue a notification shortly to announce the extension, the sources added.

“The government is not looking to cause disruption — no disruption has been caused so far through the import authorisation scheme,” sources said.

The government had rolled back import restrictions and replaced them with ‘import authorisation’ in August 2023 to monitor imports. The import authorisation scheme for laptops and PCs was extended until December 31 this September.

In August 2023, the government had initially mandated import licences for these items but later eased the rules, allowing importers to obtain authorisation instead.

India launched the “import management system” in November 2023, which required companies to register with the government the quantity and the value of their laptop and tablet imports.

The government said at the time the data would be used for monitoring imports. “Importers would be required to apply for fresh authorisations for the period from 01.01.2025 subject to detailed guidance to be provided shortly,” a government notification issued in September said.

The likely extension of the import authorisation comes days after US President-elect Donald Trump warned BRICS countries with 100% tariffs if they try to undermine the US dollar. He has sought a commitment from the nine-member group, including India, Russia, China, and Brazil.

BRICS, formed in 2009, is the only major international group of which the United States is not a part. Its other members are South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past few years, a few of its member countries, particularly Russia and China, have been seeking an alternative to the US Dollar or creating their own BRICS currency. India has not been part of the move so far.

Last week, Trump warned BRICS nations against such a move. “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy,” Trump warned.