India will delay import license requirements for laptops and tablets, two government officials said, a U.S. policy shift after industry and the U.S. government complained the move could hit Apple, Samsung and other companies. One of the officials, who requested anonymity, told Reuters the plan would be delayed by a year, after which the government would consider whether to implement a licensing system.
The licensing system, suddenly announced on August 3, aims to "ensure trustworthy hardware and systems" enter India, reduce dependence on imports, promote local manufacturing and, to a certain extent, resolve India's trade imbalance with China.
But the initial plans were quickly delayed by about three months amid industry opposition.
Last month, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai raised concerns with India about the move, which will also affect companies such as Dell and HP.
Officials with direct knowledge of the discussions said India's electronics ministry is now proposing to streamline the import registration process, which will be launched in November.
Representatives for India's Ministry of Information Technology did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One of the officials said the new "import management system" will require companies to obtain a "certificate of registration" when importing laptops, tablets and personal computers, instead of the licenses proposed earlier in the August 3 order.
The ministry conveyed the advice to industry officials at a meeting on Friday, they added.
From April to June, India's imports of electronic products, including laptops, tablets and personal computers, amounted to US$19.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.25%.
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