Delhi association seeks clarification on BIS

The business of IT importers dealing in non- branded computer (laptop and desktop PC ) and its peripherals sales has been badly hit since July 3, 2013, following the notification Electronic & IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order 2012.

This has caused shortage in supply of de-branded, upgraded and re-certified computers and its peripherals. At the same time, most of the branded companies have increased the price of their products, specifically in case of laptops prices have increased by 10%, whereas international market prices of laptop have been reduced by 20%.

The notice has created chaos in the SSI, computer assemblers, SME and dealers on account of discrepancies in the notification. It has been noticed that within one month from the date of implementation of the said notification, the importers have started facing several challenges.

In this regard, Nehru Place based All Delhi Computer Traders Association(ADCTA) has written to the Bureau of Indian standards(BIS) and put across the problems being faced by the smaller importers.

Commenting on this issue, Mahinder Aggarwal, president, ADCTA said, "In our letter to the BIS department we have highlighted that the small scale computer dealers are on the verge of closing their business, which will immediately cause huge unemployment in India. There is sharp decline in revenue of government on account of VAT because these computer dealers have substantial contribution in paying VAT applicable on sale of de-branded, upgraded, re-certified computers."

Highlighting some more points, Swarn Singh, joint secretary, ADCTA added, "We are continuously receiving representations from computer dealers from all over India in regards to said notification. And after verifying the ground realities we analyzed that immediate amendment in the said notification is required as every single day is creating more and more chaos in the computer market. There are no buyers for second hand computer and peripherals therefore these second hand computers are piling up as electronic junk which is main threat to environment.

In view of above, ADCTA has requested to concerned authorities that kindly exclude de-branded, re-certified and upgraded Products -made in India'' from the preview of above mentioned notification.

In view of above desktop personal computer/ laptop Personal Computer which is assembled in India by local assembler ambit w.r.t. said order is not clear, therefore all computer assemblers are totally confused. In the light of above association is seeking clarification at the earliest, Whether Desktop Personal Computer / Laptop Personal computer assembled in India by local assembler is cover under above mentioned notification.