The directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) under the commerce ministry is expected to hold more consultations with the ministry of electronics and information technology and manufacturers before deciding on whether to further defer the implementation of the import licensing regime for laptops, tablets and personal computers.

In a notification on August 4, the DGFT had deferred the implementation of the import restriction order till October 31. From November 1, companies would need to take a licence from the government to import these devices. The industry had pitched for a breather.

“Whether it will be deferred or not, we will take a view after consultation with MEITY. It is not an individual decision of the DGFT. There are other ministries involved. There is still time. We have done one round of consultation. We will do one or two more rounds of consultation and then make a decision,” director general of foreign trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi said on the sidelines of an Indian Chamber of Commerce organised workshop on export control of dual-use items for eastern India.

“Licensing does not mean prohibition. Laptops and tablets will come under licensing regime because MEITY wants to monitor it — what kind of things are coming in, who is bringing in, whether there is a potential to also increase domestic manufacturing in those areas.” The plan is to make the licensing procedure smooth.

“The IT hardware vertical is the second largest in electronics after smartphones and a strong present in this segment is essential for India’s growth,” Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman, India Cellular and Electronics Association, said.