Request for Consideration: Deferral of Import Licensing Restriction for One Year post IT Hardware PLI Scheme Launch

The DGFT Notifications No. 23/2023 and No. 26/2023 proposing import restrictions on ICT products have raised concerns. Imposing these restrictions could disrupt supply chains, leading to shortages affecting consumers, students, startups, and the IT industry. Market distortions, price hikes, and hoarding may ensue, especially given the uncertain demand recovery due to COVID-19. India aims for export-led electronics growth, with government initiatives targeting a $300 billion domestic electronics manufacturing industry by 2026. These restrictions contradict this goal and may deter India’s efforts to become a major IT hardware exporter. AMCHAM proposes deferring import restrictions for at least a year after launching the IT Hardware PLI scheme to assess the situation holistically.