Notebook imports hit ₹22.36 crore in H1, up from ₹3.65 crore; makers seek duty

AINMA says ASEAN-linked notebook imports have risen more than fivefold as eligible shipments enter under AFTA with zero basic customs duty. The association is seeking a 9%-10% safeguard or compensatory duty, arguing nil GST also leaves domestic makers unable to claim input-tax credit.

— Source published Wed, 19 Aug, 2026, 19:02 IST · First seen Wed, 19 Aug, 2026, 19:05 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Indian notebook makers say fivefold import growth and nil-GST input-tax costs have hurt domestic competitiveness. AINMA seeks an immediate 9%-10% safeguard or compensatory duty on ASEAN-linked imports, which can enter at lower landed costs.

Key facts

  • Notebook imports rose to ₹22.36 crore in January-June 2026 from ₹3.65 crore, over five times higher
  • Industry seeks a 9%-10% safeguard or compensatory import duty
  • Eligible ASEAN imports face 0% Basic Customs Duty under AFTA
  • Nil GST rate prevents domestic manufacturers from claiming input tax credit under Section 17(2) of the CGST Act, 2017

Why this matters

The import surge may create opportunities to secure ASEAN sourcing partnerships or acquire stressed domestic capacity if trade protections reshape notebook economics.

What to watch

  • Formal DGTR safeguard or anti-dumping petition, initiation notice, or Ministry of Commerce response.
  • Monthly import values and volumes from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and other ASEAN suppliers, particularly ahead of the school season.
  • Evidence of circumvention, misclassification, or tightened certificate-of-origin enforcement.
  • Any GST Council or finance-ministry action on nil-GST notebook treatment and input-tax-credit refunds.
  • Retail notebook shelf prices, private-label sourcing shifts, and domestic producer capacity-utilization commentary.
  • Indian notebook manufacturers are likely to submit import-origin, pricing and injury data to the Directorate General of Trade Remedies and commerce ministry.
  • Retailers and wholesalers may increase ASEAN sourcing commitments ahead of any safeguard decision, especially for mass-market school notebooks.
  • Domestic producers may seek price increases, reduce promotional discounts, shift toward branded/premium formats, or consolidate production to protect margins.
  • Authorities may intensify checks on ASEAN certificates of origin to determine whether third-country goods are being routed through FTA channels.