Govt imposes restrictions on imports of colour television sets

New Delhi, July 31: The central government has taken another major step towards becoming self-reliant after the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT announced the Import policy of color television is amended from free to restricted.

 

 

The notification reads as "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of FT (D&R) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby amends the Import Policy of items under EXIM Code 8528 72 of chapter 85 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule – I (Import Policy)."

  

The curbs are imposed on TV sets of screen sizes ranging from up to 36 cm to over 105 cm. Liquid crystal display (LCD) television sets of screen sizes below 63 cm are also covered under the restrictions, while there is no restriction on monochrome TVs. As per the notification importers will now have to apply for a license to import television sets into India from the commerce ministry’s DGFT for the imports.

 

 

The major exporters of TV sets to include China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Germany. As per the source, India imported Colour television sets worth $781 million in the previous financial year, most of which came from Vietnam ($428 million) China ($292 million) Malaysia ($109 million) and Hong Kong ($10.52 million). It also includes countries like Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Germany.

 

“Actual user conditions would not be applicable for importers applying for an authorization to import the goods ‘restricted’ in this notification. The procedure for grant of the license will be separately issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)," the notification said.

 

This move aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing and cut inbound shipments of non-essential items from countries like China. Moreover, India has cancelled railway and road tenders secured by Chinese companies. It has also banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, on national security grounds. India has also restricted Chinese companies from participating in public procurement bids by India without approval from competent authorities citing defense and national security.