Can Used Laptop/Computer be imported? - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

 Can Used Laptop/Computer be imported?

Every now and then, I get calls from people saying that they have been advised by the courier companies to find Customs agent to clear their laptops.  People are taken aback by the advice of the courier companies as it was in their contract to deliver the laptop to their premises.  But Courier companies shy away from clearance. Then consignees start looking around for people who would do customs clearance part.  Why these courier companies advise to get the laptop customs cleared by consignees?  Because, in terms of Foreign Trade Policy, import of used laptops is restricted for imports.  It means one has to obtain a valid licence from the Government.  Approaching the Government for a single laptop is not worthy and you may not even succeed.  Of course, there are exception to this rule, but we will dwell in to it in another post.  The said policy is reproduced below:

Import Policy for Second Hand Goods:

2.31 Second Hand Goods

S.No. Categories of Second Import Conditions, if any Hand Goods Policy

I Second Hand Capital Goods

 

i. Desktop Computers,

ii. Refurbished/re-conditioned spares of re-furbished parts of Personal Computers/ Laptops

iii. Air conditioners
iv. Diesel generating sets.

Restricted

Importable against Authorization

 

So, what happens when you import a restricted category?  It becomes an offence in terms of Section 111(d) of the Customs Act and liable to penalty in terms of Section 112(ii).  Such penalty may be either Rs.5000 or value of the goods. There is double whammy now.  Matter does not end.  Since consignee is always an individual, he may not have Import Export Code no (Courier shipments do not require under normal circumstance).  But now, since the transaction becomes a regular import, the absence of IE code needs to adjudicated with a nominal fine.  Of course, all these would require paper work and time.  This would entail demurrage for clearance from customs custody.

 

So, think before you seek to import Used Laptops/Computers!



R R Padmanabhan,
Director - Exim Academy





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Salem - My District My Pride - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
 Salem - My District My Pride I dare to say that entrepreneurial ecosystem begins from this district and goes through Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore.   There is so much of activity that goes on here. Salem is known as Steel City, but I would like to call it as Mango city.   The mango grown here is called as Malgova (I don’t know whether I spelt it right), the fruit is juicy and pulpy.   I checked up the Geographical Registry (GI), the fruit is yet to be registered.   It is time it is done to enhance its prestige in the world market.   Another distinct feature is Sago, native to Salem.   Recent times, Sago Serve, a State Government initiative in getting the farmers organized is doing well.    But much more needs to be in terms of marketing and branding.   The district is known for Granites, Fabrics, Readymade Garments, Egg and Coir and coir products.   In the state government’s One District One Product scheme, silver jewelry is t...
Read more

Cuddalore - My District, My Pride - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
 Cuddalore - My District, My Pride The export potentiality profile of this district is quite amazing.   The district looks quite and simple despite the presence of major industries like Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), SanMar Chemicals and ONGC and number of sugar mills.   Beneath its calm surface, however, lie the vibrancy both in terms of religion, natural beauty, artistic dexterity and economy.   Perhaps, it is dwarfed by the presence of Pondicherry as its northern neighbor.   But instead of being overwhelmed by it like Villupuram, Cuddalore should strive to use international talent to its advantage.   Below is the list of export potential products and its location in the district Cashew Panruti Imitation Jewelry Chidambaram Organic chemicals Cuddalore Marine products Entire coastal area Ceramics Vadalur Coir Salaikarai ...
Read more

Drone Logistics - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

Image
Drone Logistics  It will come, it is question of time, it is coming and now it has come.   This is the saga of Drones!   Few years ago, whenever I saw drones in wedding receptions for photography, never did I imagine that one day drone would play such an important role in saving someone’s life! We saw its efficacy when drones were used to capture images of people struck in an ashram.   Now and then, we hear its role in defense.   Now it is official.   The Drone Liberalization policy is out that seeks to increase the pay load of drones from the current 300 to 500 kg.   Entry of drone in logistics will be a major disruptor never seen before.   Imagine, you order medicines and in a little while, a SMS comes to your mobile to come out of the house to pick up the medicines from the Delivery (Drone) boy after proving your credentials!   What are the advantages?   0  1.     Cut costs 0  2.     Red...
Read more