New Delhi, 09 July (H.S.):

The Central Government has waived the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on goods used in the manufacture of key components for electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, wearables, including smartwatches and fitness bands, and smart televisions. The exemption, which came into effect on Thursday, will remain valid until March 31, 2029.

The Ministry of Finance has issued three separate notifications granting Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemptions on goods used in the manufacture of three critical electronic components. According to the notifications, the government has exempted from BCD the goods used in the production of display assemblies, lithium-ion cells, and inductor coil modules in an effort to strengthen domestic electronics manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

According to the ministry, the decision has been taken to promote the domestic manufacturing of electronic products, including smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart televisions. The exemption is in line with the government's efforts to boost domestic electronics manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.

The Basic Customs Duty relief is expected to reduce import dependence, strengthen the domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem, and enhance India's capability to produce critical electronic components locally.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar