The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) previously issued Notification No. 23/2023 on August 3, 2023, amending the import policy for items under HSN 8471. On October 19, 2023, DGFT issued Notification 38/2023, introducing further changes to import policy conditions outlining exemptions for import authorization. Additional clarifications were provided through Policy Circular No. 6/2023-24, also issued on October 19, 2023:
- Units manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and EOUs/EHTP/STPI/BTP are exempt from obtaining a “restricted import authorization” for IT hardware restricted under Notification 23/2023, provided the hardware is for captive consumption only.
- Spares, parts, assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, and other necessary inputs for IT hardware specified under Notification 23/2023 are not subject to import restrictions.
- IT hardware classified as essential capital goods, such as laptops/tablets accompanying MRI machines, is exempt from import licensing; this does not apply to IT hardware that is the primary capital good itself.
- Importers may apply for multiple authorizations valid until September 30, 2024, and may amend quantities on the import authorization via the DGFT website, provided the overall value of the authorization remains unchanged.