US raises concerns with India on import regime of certain IT hardware goods

Amid New Delhi's decision to restrict inbound shipments of such products, the US has raised concerns with India regarding the import regime of certain information and communications technology products, including laptops and tablets. The USA's National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers 2024 also said American exporters have raised concerns over the lack of prior stakeholder consultations on the issues.

At present, an authorisation is needed for importers of certain IT hardware goods into India.

"The United States continues to monitor implementation and to raise concerns with India (on this)," US said.

The report alleged that the ‘opaque and unpredictable’ nature of India’s application of quantitative restrictions has affected the ability of US exporters to access the market. It also alleged that India lacks an overarching government procurement policy and, as a result, its government’s procurement practices and procedures vary among different ministries within the Central Government.

"The United States continues to raise this issue, along with other trading partners, at the WTO (World Trade Organisation)," it said, adding that the US government continues to press the Indian government, including through the TPF (trade policy forum), to provide greater access to the Indian dairy market.

On intellectual property rights, it said America and India continue to engage on a range of IP challenges facing US companies in India with the intention of creating stronger IP protection and enforcement in India.