India has removed import duties on several components used in the manufacturing of smartphones and other electronic devices, a move aimed at strengthening domestic electronics production, reducing manufacturing costs, and attracting additional investments from global technology companies. The policy eliminates existing 7.5 percent and 5 percent import duties on selected components, benefiting manufacturers such as Apple, Xiaomi, Samsung and other electronics producers operating in India.
The customs duty exemption covers a range of imported parts used in smartphones and electronic products, making it less expensive for manufacturers to source critical components that are not yet produced at scale within India. Lower input costs are expected to improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured devices while supporting the government’s ambition to position India as a global electronics manufacturing hub.
The duty relief is also expected to encourage further investments in India’s rapidly expanding electronics supply chain. Companies assembling smartphones and consumer electronics in the country are likely to benefit from reduced production expenses, potentially increasing exports and expanding manufacturing capacity. The exemption also extends to machinery and components used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, supporting growth in both the electronics and electric mobility sectors.
According to reports, the customs duty exemptions will remain in effect until March 31, 2029, providing manufacturers with long-term policy certainty for future investments. The move aligns with India’s broader strategy of expanding domestic value addition, strengthening the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem, and making the country a preferred global destination for smartphone and electronics manufacturing.
SHAFANA FAZAL
