Electronics firms push for tariff cuts on parts

Manufacturers seek changes in import duties, GST and TDS threshold

- Abhijit Anaskar

The electronics industry has urged the government to reduce tariffs on parts and components, including printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), connectors, and mobile phone camera modules in the Union budget for FY24.

Industry bodies and stakeholders said some duty structures need revision since they have become a burden on the industry. They claimed that such duties are impacting the industry's ability to meet production targets, essential for the government's 'Make in India' initiative.

For instance, in its pre-budget recommendations, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), an industry body backed by Foxconn and Apple among others, said existing tariffs of 2.75% on parts, mobile phones components and sub-assemblies should be removed as they are adding to the burden on manufacturers and endangering the domestic industry.

The ICEA also sought lower duties on parts of open cell panels for television manufacturing. Open cells are a critical component of LCD panels, used in manufacturing TVs. India currently charges a 5% basic customs duty on open cell components.