Import curbs on television sets: Companies may take licence route for big-screen models

KOLKATA: TV makers Samsung, Xiaomi and TCL don’t immediately plan to set up new production lines for large-screen premium models and will instead seek licences to import them as the limited demand for these products does not justify local manufacturing, said people familiar with the matter. LG and Sony, too, are evaluating the licence route for the 75-inch-plus premium models which are at present imported.

Industry executives are, however, aware that these licences may not be issued easily, especially for imports from China. They fear that this development will impact availability of highend TV sets just ahead of the crucial festive season.

The government on Tuesday re-introduced import curbs on TV sets and put them on the restricted list for the first time in 20 years with the objective of boosting local manufacturing. Companies will now have to apply for a licence to import TV sets.