An electronics makers’ body has called upon the government to reduce the 20% basic customs duty on mobile phones, arguing that imports are no longer a threat in view of large-scale manufacturing of handsets in India and that the industry has the strength to face competition.
The proposal of reduction of GST on mobiles from 18% to the earlier 12% is a must to curb the emerging grey market and put the mobile phones within the reach of the common man. In a presentation to the revenue department on Budget 2021, the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) also suggested the extension of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to laptops, tablets, PCBAs, display FAB and wearables.