India imposes 10% tax on import of key smartphone components

Tuesday, 3 April 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New Delhi (Reuters): India has imposed a 10% tax on imports of key smartphone components, including populated printed circuit boards, which are at the heart of smartphones, according to a government document.

The government’s move yesterday (2 April) confirmed a Reuters report from last week that the country was exploring new duties on the imports of populated printed circuit boards, that include components such as processors, memory and wireless chips. A 10% customs tax was also imposed on the imports of camera modules for phones and connectors.

The move, part of a phased manufacturing plan for lifting local production of mobile devices, is aimed at boosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship ‘Make in India’ drive to turn the country into a manufacturing hub, like neighbouring China.