Import duty on mobile parts cut
Duty on these parts down to 10% from 15% earlier; The move to boost local production, exports
image for illustrative purpose
Cheaper mobile parts
- Telecom Minister welcomes it as support for mfg ecosystem
- It is unclear if benefit of lower duty will translate to consumer price cuts
- Mobile phones now India’s 5th largest export segment
New Delhi: A day ahead of the interim budget, India has slashed the import duty on spare parts, like battery cover, lens and SIM socket, used in mobile phone manufacturing to 10 per cent, from 15 per cent. The duty cut is aimed at boosting local production and exports, as well as reducing prices in local markets.
The finance ministry on January 30, notified the cut in duty on all goods for use in manufacture of cellular mobile phones to 10 per cent. The other components include battery cover, front, middle and back cover of phone, main lens, screw, SIM socket, or other mechanical items.
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a post on X said the duty rationalisation would strengthen the mobile phone manufacturing ecosystem through this measure.
“Rationalization of customs duties brings much-needed certainty and clarity for the industry,” Vaishnaw said.
