Make in India boost! Government imposes restrictions on import of colour television

In a bid to encourage local manufacturing, the government has imposed restrictions on imports of colour television sets. The restrictions announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) come as India tries to encourage local manufacturing. The notification released on Thursday said that the import policy of colour television sets has been amended from "free" to "restricted". 

The DGFT said that colour television sets of screen size up to 36 cm, television sets of screen size of 36 cm but not exceeding 54 cm, television sets of screen size of 54 cm but not exceeding 68 cm, television sets of screen size of 68 cm but not exceeding 74 cm, television sets of screen size of 74 cm but not exceeding 87 cm, television sets of screen size of 87 cm but not exceeding 105 cm, television sets of screen size exceeding 105 cm, liquid crystal display television set of screen size below 63 cm will be impacted by the import policy. 

"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 license will be separately issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)," stated the notification. 

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A major share of televisions in India are imported from Vietnam and China. Notably, the decision comes at a time when The government has been taking several steps against Chinese investments and apps.  

The latest move will also benefit the Indian manufacturers.  

"This is a good first step towards boosting local TV manufacturing in India. This will also open many new job opportunities. With local manufacturing by Indian manufacturers customers will get better products as from China the products coming in the form of CBU were just standardised products,” Arjun Bajaaj - CEO & Founder Daiwa said on the restrictions on import of televisions.  

Government had recently banned 59 Chinese apps citing security risks. The government also amended the General Financial Rules 2017 to impose restrictions on bidders from countries sharing a land border with India.