Summary
- Over 10,000 Indian micro, small and medium enterprises are facing an “existential crisis” due to low-cost notebook imports from ASEAN countries, as per the All India Notebook Manufacturers Association (AINMA).
- The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement allows these imports at zero Basic Customs Duty, while domestic manufacturers pay 18 percent GST on raw materials without the ability to claim Input Tax Credit.
- AINMA has proposed moving notebooks to a uniform 5 percent GST slab to restore ITC and improve competitiveness against imports.
- The government has yet to confirm any action on this issue, leaving the future of domestic notebook manufacturing uncertain.
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