India is planning to restrict imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers starting in January to encourage companies like Apple to boost domestic manufacturing. If put into action, this proposal has the potential to shake up a sector valued at $8 billion to $10 billion and change the landscape of India's IT hardware market, which currently heavily depends on imports.

A plan to limit imports was pulled back last year due to opposition from companies and pressure from the United States. India has been keeping track of imports under a system that will end this year, and companies have been told to apply for new import approvals for next year.

Sources, who wish to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the talks, stated that the government believes it has allowed the industry sufficient time to adjust.

Next week, New Delhi will initiate discussions with all parties involved. If necessary, the source mentioned that the implementation of import restrictions could be postponed for a few months.

One of the sources mentioned that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India is developing a new system for import authorization. Companies will be required to obtain approval in advance for their imports. Laptop importers can freely bring in as many devices under the current system by completing an automated online registration process.