Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Notebook Makers Seek Import Floor as ASEAN Imports Rise
Notebook makers in India say too many cheap notebooks are coming from ASEAN countries.
They are especially concerned about imports from Indonesia.
The makers want the government to set a minimum price for imported notebooks.
This would make it harder to sell very cheap imported products in India.
They say notebooks can enter without customs duty under a trade agreement.
They also say the imports benefit from zero per cent basic customs duty and zero per cent IGST.
The manufacturers believe this is weakening Indian small businesses.
They warned that domestic notebook companies could be badly damaged without quick action.
The All India Notebook Manufacturers Association asked the Commerce Ministry to impose a minimum import price on notebooks.
The association said imports from ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, are hurting Indian domestic manufacturers.
Notebooks receive zero customs duty under the India-ASEAN free trade agreement that began in January 2010.
The association also cited a zero per cent basic customs duty and zero per cent IGST import corridor.
It warned that continued low-cost imports could seriously damage Indian micro, small and medium enterprises.
- Who
- The All India Notebook Manufacturers Association and Indian notebook manufacturers.
- What
- The association requested that the Commerce Ministry impose a minimum import price on notebooks.
- When
- The request was published on September 8, 2026; the India-ASEAN free trade agreement took effect in January 2010.
- Where
- India, with imports arriving from ASEAN countries, particularly Indonesia.
- Why
- The association says low-cost, tax-free imports are undermining domestic manufacturers and Indian micro, small and medium enterprises.
- Request
- A minimum import price on imported notebooks
- Requester
- All India Notebook Manufacturers Association
- Government body addressed
- Commerce Ministry
- Main import source
- ASEAN countries, predominantly Indonesia
- Customs treatment
- Nil customs duty under the India-ASEAN free trade agreement
- Agreement start
- January 2010
- Claimed impact
- Domestic notebook manufacturers and Indian MSMEs are being squeezed by low-cost imports
