India's Sudden Import Curbs Force Apple, Samsung Electronics, and HP to Stop Laptop Shipments

After India's unexpected prohibition on inbound shipments without a license, several of the major brands have suspended new laptop and tablet imports to the South Asian nation, including Apple, Samsung Electronics, and HP. Authorities shocked the largest PC manufacturers in the world on Thursday by requiring licenses for the import of electronics, ranging from small tablets to all-in-one PCs.

The sudden licensing imposition caught the industry off-guard, according to people familiar with the situation who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the subject. As India's Diwali shopping season and back-to-school season approach, IT companies are already consulting with New Delhi on how to secure licenses as swiftly as possible at a time of increased consumer demand,

The sources said. Although it's unknown how long it would take Apple and co. to obtain licenses, the current embargo is crucially interfering with a multibillion-dollar trade in foreign PCs. Manufacturers already struggling with a global inventory surplus and a lack of catalysts to relaunch sales growth now have to deal with the obligation. It can lead to postponed Indian launches or possibly product shortages in a market that is still heavily dependent on imports.

The import limitation is one of India's recent policy U-turns and complements other, more established regulations aimed at discouraging the import of foreign electronics. Its primary goal is to help achieve the long-term goals of developing a renowned global tech manufacturing sector. In order to attract manufacturers of laptops, tablets, and other hardware to the most populous country in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is currently accepting applications for an Rs. 170 billion financial incentive program as businesses look to diversify their supply chains beyond China.